The seriousness of confrontations between Northern Harriers varies with the situation. Conflicts over food, especially during harsh winters, can be intense and dramatic but they often seem to spar with each other just for the “fun” of it. I’ve often seen and occasionally photographed both extremes of aggressive behavior.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 800, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This photo was taken at Farmington in December several years ago through light fog and after a heavy frost. At first glance it appears to be a serious fight but I’m not completely convinced of that. In this case, one bird was on the ground as the other cruised by, they skirmished for about 1-2 seconds, then each resumed their previous activities as if nothing had happened.
A furtive confrontation, then normalcy. It may be anthropomorphic of me to think they might be doing it for fun but I can’t help myself… I’ve seen it so very often and it’s so different from when they are actually fighting directly over food. That I have also seen and believe me it’s very different from this and very serious. It has been documented that Northern Harriers sometimes “play” so who knows what is really going on. I certainly don’t…
It’s not unusual for two of these birds to be hunting together (they often hunt singly of course) and then rush each other and have a short aerial confrontation and then resume hunting together as if nothing of consequence had occurred. It usually happens very fast and it’s difficult to photograph but fascinating to watch.
I also see these kinds of seemingly playful interactions between females and the significantly smaller males but the aggression rarely turns serious because of their difference in size. Females win virtually all aggressive interactions with males
This is the first time I’ve seen this blue in the primaries (top bird). Perhaps a prismatic effect from the angle of the light and feathers?
Ron
Whatever the reason, I’m glad you were able to capture the image! It’s always interesting to observe such behavior, even if it may not be so simple to explain.
I am quite convinced that a number of birds (and other animals) play. Practice? Perhaps, but anthromorphic me sees fun. Loved these shots – and suspect the blue does have something to do with the light. Gorgeous though.
Wonderful shot and thoughts Ron!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
Harriers and Hawk Harriers are very interesting groups and species. Some of the motivation for behavior like that shown in Ron’s photos is that Harriers are often practice polygamy so altercations are common. Also a pair uses an interesting method for food transfers. The pair will fly toward one another and the female will then flip onto her back to accept the prey. This behavior may explain some of the seeming appearance of aggression as I’m sure the juveniles and sub-adults must practice this skill. Much of what we perceive as “play” will actually be skill development.
Bill
Thanks for providing this suggestion re food transfer behavior in Harriers. Certainly play of this sort that built the skill would help perpetuate the species…
Thanks, Bill. I suspect there’s many reasons for this behavior, many that we don’t fully understand.
What a spectacular shot! Whatever the motivation, I’m thrilled to be able to witness this moment thanks to your work. That’s it… I’m speechless from here on.
Thanks very much, Alison.
Why do humans seem to think there is a significant reason behind every aggressive movement or behavior of birds or mammals? Can’t they just have spur of the moment fun? Or is that too anthropomorphic. I have seen this behavior on the marshes of Newburyport, MA and have attributed it to a spur of the moment aggression, spur of the moment jostle, or just like saying I’m here watch your back, I hunt here too! Whatever the reason, you captured a great moment that I have only witnessed without a camera lens! Many thanks for this image, Ron, excellent as usual.
Thank you, Dick. It looks like they’re having fun when they do it but obviously there’s lots of other possible explanations…
Beautiful shot Ron. They are truly amazing birds to watch. A few winters ago we witnessed the same type of harrier interaction. Got some neat photos and many amazing visual shots.
Thanks, Tana. It would be fun to see your photos one day.
I was wondering if they’re called Harriers because of what Mark Runnels told us. They “harry” and harrass other birds.
Patty, they’re called harriers because they hunt low and “harry” their prey but I suppose their harassment of other raptors may have contributed to it. Their name was changed from Marsh Hawk a few years ago but some folks still cling to the old name.
Here’s an interesting account regarding name changes in birds from the University of Buffalo…
“There are many reasons for the changes. Sometimes they are made to conform to the names of the same species occurring in Europe. An early example of this was supported by Roger Tory Peterson with his early field guides. He renamed our falcons: duck hawk became peregrine falcon; pigeon hawk, merlin; sparrow hawk, kestrel. The marsh hawk was changed to harrier as well. Those are European bird names, but the changes served another purpose: they each removed the designation hawk at a time when hawks were being hunted nearly to extinction. (Today they are protected by international law.)”
thanks for the interesting reply re: names changes…I was confused by some of them as I’d known these birds by other names and didn’t realize or understand the name changes…
fascinating! Beautiful “choreography”…love arc formed by wings…beautiful birds, beautiful composition…”underbird” looks a bit raggedy…broken and missing feathers, splits, etc. Normal wear and tear??? Other encounters???
Patty, I imagine it’s mostly “normal wear and tear”. As you can see from the habitat here, when these birds dive into the vegetation for voles their feathers would take a lot of abuse.
Is that why they’re called “Harriers”?
Hi Ron, Harriers, or “Marsh Hawks” are the nemisis of most falconers. They seem to enjoy going out of their way to engage a flying falcon. It isn’t food related, and doesn’t seem to be territorial. I have always just assumed that they get a kick out of harassing large falcons.
Perhaps they just have a chip on their shoulders, Mark – the bullies of the neighborhood… 🙂