Grey Ghost Shorty Encounter

Good morning folks. The scene was set. I was photographing a sitting Short Ear Owl when I noticed a Grey Ghost quietly approaching from the left. Fast and low. Talons extended. Focus locked on the scene I anticipated the Ghost to land on the owl.

He wasn’t trying to take the owl out, that would have been a foolish move, Short-eared Owls are larger and heavier than Northern Harriers. A harrier would be taking a big risk attacking one. I was witnessing competition, not predation. Both hunt at dawn and dusk, which increases encounters, but those interactions are almost always defensive or competitive, not predatory. As soon as the Ghost landed the owl quickly took flight. I’m sure the owl even though being the larger of the two birds knew who the boss was in the territory.
It was so cool to watch the interaction. I’m glad I captured the moment.

Make it a great day, chase the light… cheers