Occasionally I like to reach way back into my archives. Today is one of those days.
The winter of 2008 was cold and brutal in northern Utah which put a lot of stress on birds. More than once I noticed ducks frozen into the ice at dawn. Whenever that happened Northern Harriers took advantage of the unexpected bounty and competed viciously for the food.
1/1250, f/8, ISO 400, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 II Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This harrier was trying to protect its prize and gobble down bits of frozen Mallard at the same time – its protective threat posture and beak-full of feathers says it all. Other harriers were in the immediate vicinity and occasionally one or more would swoop down and compete for the duck.
While watching through my lens my field of view was extremely limited so I usually didn’t even know when something exciting was about to happen. About all I could do was watch the bird on the duck, try to read its behavior, and then hope my reflexes were quick enough when another bird came in and that’s something that happened often.
1/1250, f/8, ISO 400, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 II Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Bushwhacked! Another harrier rushed in and challenged the first bird for the duck and immediately a vicious fight broke out.
The multiple battles over this Mallard were some of the most exciting events I’ve ever witnessed and photographed in nature. Way back in February of 2011 I posted many images of the action but that was very early in my blogging career and my site drew little traffic back then so few of my current readers have ever seen those photos.
About a dozen of the best images of the fighting can be seen here. If you appreciate interesting behaviors and incredible action I promise it would be worth your time to click the link.
Ron
Note: Apparently there was a WordPress glitch this morning and email notifications to subscribers for this post weren’t sent out. So many, perhaps most, of my readers are unlikely to even see this post. Hate it when that happens!
I was so out of it yesterday, perhaps because we had a lot to do in the morning, that I never realized I did get notification of your post. I followed the link, and really enjoyed all the photos of the fighting birds. It’s amazing to me that you could capture that action so well. I also love the first photo in this post, with that protective posture. Actually, given how I’m feeling this morning, I’m glad I had three of your posts to look at instead of the usual one. Even fighting birds can be soothing to the soul.
I totally agree with April! 😉
These are amazing action shots (I followed the link). The scene must have been quite something and you were able to capture the intensity so well. Just spectacular!
WOW wonderful series of photos. It kind of reminds me of this election year!
Didn’t get the email, so I came looking, too. Fantastic behavioral series, Ron. What a rush it must have been to witness in real time!!! Just the break I needed from reality tonight! Thank you!
so did the Harrier manage to protect its dinner, or did the attacker get it?
Liza, No single bird could have defended that Mallard from the onslaught from so many other harriers. (If you open the link I provided you’ll see why). Many harriers fed on this duck for quite a while.
Hi Ron,
Yes you were right. I did not receive any email notification for today’s post. But this wasn’t the first time,so when it happens(because I know that you always write unless something unusual happens)I go to the last one I have received and click on “Recent Posts”. That is what I did today.
Those shots in the link are fantastic.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for that feedback, Jorge. I figured the emails didn’t go out when I didn’t get mine and views in my stats were much slower than normal.
Survival of the fittest. And the fastest. And the most aggressive.
Definitely Freudian on your election day, but an incredible series.
Thank you.
Frozen into the ice puts our weather complaints into perspective doesn’t it?
“Frozen into the ice puts our weather complaints into perspective doesn’t it?”
Yes, it certainly does, EC. I can’t imagine many worse ways to go.
If I don’t see the email, I come looking, and today extra glad I did – fabulous shots!
Good, I’m glad you did, Robyn! Most folks probably won’t though and that’s too bad because I really like most of those shots in the link I provided.
Great captures.Ilove the poise of protection with the Harrier holding its wings out.Ducks frozen in the water,vicious fights for the prise, things can get pretty vicious out there in nature. Is there some irony with these being posted on Election Day? Good luck with that.
Jane, I hadn’t even thought of the timing of publishing such a tension-filled post on election day. But you’re right, especially this year.
An amazing , action-packed series of these birds’ literally struggling for survival! . The images of the male “groping” the female is very appropriate on this historic election day…thanks for getting this incrediblt series to me!!!
Thank you, Patty.
I am wondering how the mallard got frozen into the ice?
And even though I tend to be a bit squeamish I took a look at your post of the fighting harriers? Just WOW!
Kathy, When it’s this cold some ducks continue to swim in smaller and smaller patches of open water to try to keep it open as it freezes. Occasionally one will be frozen in, especially during the night.