Another contest from @nelinoeva, for which many thanks to her. So this week's theme is - RAPTORS
Young The northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
I met this young predator in the meadows. He flew high in the sky and then descended lower. Many rodents live in those places, apparently he hunted for them.
The black kite (Milvus migrans)
And I took this photo at the very beginning of April. These birds have just arrived. But the question is, can they be called predators? They feed mainly on carrion and food debris from garbage. Although once, I saw how a kite, frightened by me, dropped a still living squirrel.
The Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo)
Oh, and this is an elusive little falcon. It is very difficult to photograph him because he constantly flies very high. It feeds on small birds and large insects such as dragonflies.
The Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
And I met this friend in the winter at the cemetery through which I went to the forest. I heard a thin, needle-like squeak of great tits, which meant an air raid alert. Indeed, I looked around and saw him.
The common raven (Corvus corax)
Yes, these birds are also predatory. One such raven once hunted tits at my feeder. And having waited for a convenient moment, he flew out from around the corner and dragged one bird straight from the feeder.
The brown shrike (Lanius cristatus)
Yes, yes, don't be surprised. This little buddy, about the size of a sparrow, is a real full-fledged predator!
In addition to insects, it feeds on small rodents and lizards, or even nestlings of other birds. After catching prey, he string their bodies on sharp hooks and branches.
It looks creepy, here is an example from the youtube channel of my favorite photohunter -
Самая маленькая хищная птица. Сорокопут-жулан - охотник с крючком на клюве
Absolutely stunning photos and this is well to show that predators are among other common birds.
The last couple of days I see groups of buzzards, some 20 to 30 birds gathering high in the sky. I am not sure why, but I think they may be also moving south?
Thanks! Wow, how many! Well, yes, most likely they flew to warm countries. But too much, interesting.
It was impressive view. They were gathering in groups and soaring in circles, perhaps with the thermals.
They were too high and this is not a good shot, but can give an idea about the number.
Отличные фото. Такие мощные птицы.
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Absolutely amazing pictures. When watching the video I was amazed by the size of the prey that the parents were feeding their young. In one part of the video, the parent is feeding the hatchlings what seems to be some type of little snake or worm. As the thing is still wiggling around I thought the hatchling is never going to be able to eat such a large meal, and then the parent stuffs the entire thing down the birds mouth. Who would ever of thought such a small bird was a predator.
I love all your photos... they are so beautiful and elegant while they are flaying... 🦅
you very much surprised me with your little predator. I would never have thought that looking at this bird. the photos are wonderful !!!!