On Saturday January 29, Fred Atwood, myself and two
other determined members of the Northern Virginia Teen
Bird Club made our way down to King George County,
despite the increased presence of maniacal drivers on
I-66.
After observing many frozen ponds we had headed down
towards an area of land near the Rappahannock River
when we spied a Northern Harrier in what appeared to
be hunting mode; the bird was constantly hovering over
the tall grass on the opposite side of the pond. The
Harrier hovered for a while before suddenly diving
into the brush, re-emerging with a fresh catch in its
talons, most likely a Red-winged Blackbird. The
Harrier seemed unsure of where to land to eat its
catch, flying from one field to another to another
before finally returning to the spot where it had
originally caught the bird. As it flew off, catch
still uneaten and held in its talons, the Harrier was
suddenly attacked by two crows, who seemed intent on
stealing its catch. The two crows were then in turn
attacked by a Red-tailed Hawk, and the harrier managed
to get away in the ensuing commotion. However, the
Harrier had bigger problems a few moments later.
A fifth, much larger bird suddenly descended seemingly
from nowhere and began encircling the Harrier, also
intent it seemed, on stealing its food. The fifth bird
turned out to be an immature Bald Eagle!!! The eagle
and the harrier engaged in a mid-air duel of sorts,
the harrier still managing to keep its prize away from
the large talons of the eagle. Finally, the eagle got
in a hit on the Harrier who in its surprise let go of
the blackbird, which could be seen falling down to the
ground, landing in a wood. The eagle soared around the
approximate area where the bird had fallen, but after
several minutes decided against pursuing it. All five
birds then departed, though the Harrier remained in
the general area, waiting for another shot at lunch.
This was without a doubt the first time I have ever
seen such interaction between raptors, very
interesting!!!
Other notable species included White-crowned Sparrows,
a Savannah Sparrow and a Richardson's Cackling Goose.
Good Birding!
Alex Robbins
Fairfax Station, VA
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