Click on image for a larger view.
Mostly we photograph these super creatures down at the Werribee Treatment Plant.
Because of the distances involved, the bird’s inherent cunning, and its wariness, it is usually hard, impossible or impractical to get close enough for a great photo. Sometimes however luck can play a part.
This Swamp Harrier was quite relaxed in the late evening sunshine, it waited quite a long time before the flee gene kicked in.
A Swamp Harrier being harassed by a lone Wagtail. Because the big bird was still getting airborne, the nimble little Wagtail was able to dive on it a number of times.
Swamp Harrier rising out of reed beds without a catch
Swamp Harrier on prey. A tiny Black Swan cygnet. The cygnet had been taken by a White-bellied Sea Eagle and it had taken off with a part eaten bird. The remains were claimed by this bird. It did not want to leave with the prey, even though I pushed the boundary of getting close. At about 10 metres its nerve finally gave out and it departed with the remains of the nest and cygnet.
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