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From disappointment to delight: Marsh Harriers saved the day

Today's birding trip led me to the Cetina Marshes in Puerto Real. On my way to my initial first stop in San José del Valle, I was hoping to pick up some roadkill in order to provide the birds of prey I was looking for with some natural bait. After barely fifteen minutes on the road I spotted a dead rat which I put in a plastic bag. It was not the only dead animal I would see lying on the road, unfortunately.


Apart from wonderful views from the top of Cruz del Valle, there was not much of interest for a keen birder, so I decided to drive to a familiar place of which I knew there would be birds of prey for sure. The idea was to attract some Marsh Harrier to prey on the unfortunate rodent. That turned out to be much more complicated than expected. First of all, I had to walk through the muddy marshes to set up my heavy tripod, only to find out that the hood of my camouflage suit was missing. Desperately I had to put my camouflage trousers over my head in an attempt to make myself invisible to the birds, but I am pretty sure that tactic didn't work.



Marsh Harrier
Marsh Harrier

The rat didn't attract any special visitors either. A glimpse of a Hen Harrier amongst the reed beds gave me a sparkle of hope that the day would at least produce some decent pictures to take home.



Dead rat on the road
The unfortunate rat hit by a car while crossing the road …

Dead rat
… moved to the Cetina Marshes, fifty kilometres further


Hen Harrier
Hard to spot Hen Harrier

Hen Harrier in flight
Fortunately I had the chance to photograph it flying relatively close

After walking several kilometres on muddy ground carrying heavy gear, my last effort of the day was to lay the bait on a concrete pole and use the car as a hide, hoping the Harriers would come really close. They did fly pretty close, but in the end ignored the bait completely.



Hen Harrier
Hen Harrier being curious



For a moment I thought this one was going to give it a try …

Bird of prey in flight
… but it couldn't be bothered

The four Marsh Harriers that I saw during my visit seemed to be residents here. The sure have a great time flying over the wettest part of the marshes, scaring the hell out of the other birds. Today they tried to mess with a huge flock of Teals, invisible from the main track, but I saw them flying up several times, disturbed by a fierce Harrier.



Flock of Teals scared away by an overflying Marsh Harrier
Flock of Teals scared away by an overflying Marsh Harrier

First, they were having a laugh at me because of my failing camouflage, now the Harriers were having a great time chasing the ducks. But it's impossible not to like them, with their beautiful yellow eyes and naughty looks.



Marsh Harrier chasing Teals
Marsh Harrier having fun chasing the Teals

Sharing the airspace with a martin

Marsh Harrier
If I were a little bird I'd stay far away from this raptor

Marsh Harrier flying low over the reed beds
Marsh Harrier flying low over the reed beds

The Harriers were not the only birds of prey in this area today... Several Ospreys and Buzzards also made the afternoon more worthwhile.



Osprey
Osprey

Booted Eagle flying behind a Marsh Harrier
Booted Eagle checking out the Marsh Harriers' airspace

Buzzard
A bulky Buzzard

Some days you don't get the shot you were after, but if you spend hours in the same place, in the end something special turns up, guaranteed. As soon as my new camouflage hood arrives, I will go out again to try and capture a bird of prey snatching some bait.


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Unknown member
May 15, 2024

🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅😲😲😲😲

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