Western Marsh Harrier + Birds of the Week Invitation LXIV

Western Marsh Harriers (Circus aeruginosus) are one of the few raptors that I’ve seen often enough to recognize. The length of bare legs, adapted to snatching food from water or reeds in mid flight, the dark colour when seated, with the lighter colour flashing on when the wings open, and its small size are what I look for. It breeds in Europe, from Iceland east to the steppes of Kazakhstan and Mongolia, and winters in India and sub-Saharan Africa. When I took this photo, I was surprised to see it descend on carrion, but given what an opportunistic feeder it is, perhaps I shouldn’t have been.

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There aren’t many places on WordPress where bird watchers can share posts. If you post any photos of birds this week (starting today and up to next Monday), it would be great if you could leave a link in the comments, or a pingback, for others to follow. You don’t have to post a recent photo, nor do you have to post a photo of the same bird as mine, but do use the tag “Bird of the Week” to help others find your post. For more information see the main landing page for this invitation.

Bird of the Week LXIII