The Owl and the Hawk

Wickersham's Conscience

It was a rainy, dreary day in Camas Prairie this past Wednesday. But despite the rains, birds were active. And WC had a chance to watch an interesting interaction between a Swainson’s Hawk and a Short-eared Owl.

Now a Swainson’s is a pretty big bird, with a length of about 21 inches and a wingspan of about 52 inches. A Short-eared Owl is just 15 inches long with a wingspan of about 38 inches. Which makes this interaction pretty amazing. (Note: this was a fair distance off, in low light and steady drizzle. These photos are heavily cropped and aren’t going to impress anyone who knows Ron Dudley’s work.)

Short-eared Owl and Swainson’s Hawk, Camas Prairie, Idaho

The owl came up from low to the ground behind the hawk, and moved a little above him.

Short-eared Owl and Swainson’s Hawk, Camas Prairie, Idaho

And then stooped on the hawk.

View original post 170 more words