A WALK ON THE WILDSIDE---PAUL FOSTER

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Friday 8 March 2013

Hen Harriers (Cyprus)

 Its always a bonus to see birds of prey in their natural environment,these hen harriers were observed on a recent trip to Cyprus.They have been over wintering for the last 5 months or so in the flat arable farmlands.
 The male Hen harrier must be one of the best looking raptors about with its slate grey plummage and black tips to the wing!
 They were hunting the farmland on the lookout for pipits and skylarks.
 This harrier gave me some quite close views as it searced the meadows.
 I was watching some Wheatear when the Harrier appeared,needless to say the Wheatear didn`t hang around.
 Almost Kestrel like,the Harrier searched for prey amongst the scrub.In 5 mins of watching this bird, I didn`t see it catch anytyhing!

3 comments:

  1. Wonderful images of a wonderful bird Paul,it's always a pleasure to see these iconic birds.

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  2. Super, I must make another visit one day and know what to lok for! THANKS

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  3. Fantastic pictures, how lucky you are! I saw a male harrier yesterday in Agioi Trimithias (Nicosia district) though it looked alot whiter than the one you photographed, saw a female in the exact same area a couple of months ago aswell, going to have another look today.

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