• BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!

    Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.

Newby (1 Viewer)

Lilburne 19

New member
United Kingdom
Hi I’m a bird watching enthusiast from South Yorkshire and I also enjoy taking wildlife photos, and I’m looking forward to taking part in the many discussions that are put forward.
 

Lilburne 19

New member
United Kingdom
I have a question for those knowledgeable about raptors and their habits. During the end of April I visited The Isle of Arran for the first time. One day I was travelling north to Lochranza and on the northern slopes were two Hen Harriers, M/F which appeared to be hunting together. This is my first ever sighting of them and I was wondering if this was the way a pair of Harriers hunt, or was it just coincidence?
 

Kits

Picture Picker
Welcome to Birdforum! I am sure that you will find lots to interest you here and I hope you enjoy your visits.
 

Lisa W

Moderator
Staff member
Supporter
Hi, welcome to the forum on behalf of the staff and moderators. I think you will find us a friendly and helpful group. I have seen this on occasion in the US with our birds of prey. Not sure about hen harriers.
 

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment
Staff member
Opus Editor
Supporter
Scotland
Hi Lilburne and a warm welcome from me too.

I've not been able to observe Hen Harrier pairs too often. But I believe the pair will, in early spring, fly together. The male will catch a prey item and will pass it over in flight. The male drops the item and she catches it. This is all part of their pair bonding and a necessary skill for when there are young to feed.

The male isn't allowed on the nest, but when he calls she goes up to meet him and they do the food pass.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.
 

KC Foggin

Super Moderator
Staff member
Opus Editor
Supporter
United States
Most Birds of Prey breed earlier than song birds so it is quite possible they are both looking for food to feed their young.

Hi there and a warm welcome to you . (y)
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like ;)
 

Lilburne 19

New member
United Kingdom
Hi Lilburne and a warm welcome from me too.

I've not been able to observe Hen Harrier pairs too often. But I believe the pair will, in early spring, fly together. The male will catch a prey item and will pass it over in flight. The male drops the item and she catches it. This is all part of their pair bonding and a necessary skill for when there are young to feed.

The male isn't allowed on the nest, but when he calls she goes up to meet him and they do the food pass.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.
Thanks 4 that
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Top