An epic battle - that lasted only seconds.....

We had arrived at the Shawgunk Grasslands in New York early in the afternoon. We were in search of Short-eared Owls, a beautiful winter visitor from the northern tundra. Greeted by flat light and a snow flurry, we were immediately concerned that even if we found our prey, we would not have the light to capture good photos.

This had been a somewhat impromptu trip, planned the day before with new friends from the Wild America Photography group. We were to meet parking lot and take it from there. It is always fun to meet the people we friend on Facebook and this day was no exception. We spent some time chatting, comparing equipment and discussing settings. To my good pleasure, I was lent a 1.4x extender, which made my 400mm 2.8 a 560mm 4.0. This was instantly more useful for the long views of the birds. Mounting kit onto tripods, our group headed off into the field.

It was cold. There were few birds. We had walked about 1/4 of the way around the site and had only to see a pair of Northern Harriers at the opposite end of the grounds. Stopping for a bit, we watched the Raptors skim along the undulating tops of the grassland. Our eyes were drawn to the sky by the sound of thousands of Canada Geese flying in. The flock moved with confident authority until it abruptly splintered into a half dozen groups that all headed away from us. Shortly after one of our group called out "Bald Eagle". We now knew what spooked the geese. When that majestic symbol of our freedom soared from view turned back to the Harriers. They had moved closer to the parking lot. We made a quick decision to follow. I am unsure of whether it was a better view of the birds or the prospect of waiting in warm cars that compelled us.

Once situated in our new location we waited, the continued frolicking of the Harriers keeping us company. Then it began to snow again. We made for the cars.

Late in the afternoon, after the snow had stopped, we dismayed at not seen any sign of the owls. We were about to call it a day when the sun found purchase and blasted through the bleak grey sky. Its warmth and bright light rejuvenated us enough to stay.

Shortly after this, a Northern Harrier perched on a pole a few hundred yards from where we stood. With nothing else to shoot, I trained my lens on this favourite bird. About three minutes later another Harrier blasted into the frame to attack the roosting tenant. My finger instinctively depressed the shutter release. It was over in seconds - the perch with a new master.

I am not sure what caused the uproar. In a wide open field, with dozens of posts to perch on, these harriers decided that this was the choice spot. Perhaps there was a rodent hole in the area. I will never know. Whatever the reason, it was lucky for us.

We decided to leave shortly after that. We never saw the owls. But that was not such a bad thing. For now, there is a reason to revisit this extraordinary place.

I hope you enjoy.

Name: Circus cyaneus
Status: Least Concern
Sound: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Harrier/sounds