Happy Bird Day


Today on BirdingPI.com, it’s several birds at South Pier, Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring an American Kestrel flying towards North Pier @ Presque Isle State Park:

Underside view of Kestrel in flight over South Pier

Also female or immature Red-breasted Merganser in channel swell/surf:

Kestrel flying towards North Pier
Kestrel landing in tree by Coast Guard Station

These are really long distance shots of small birds, but this is where it gets interesting, when a Barn Swallow makes an appearance:

Barn Swallow (l) and Kestrel (center)
Swoopin’ in

At this point, the Barn Swallow proceeded to repeatedly swoop and dive, harassing the Kestrel with very close approaches. The Kestrel would occasionally duck or adjust position slightly, but overall didn’t seem too concerned. We’ve seen American Crow and Red-winged Blackbirds harassing nearby raptors, but never a Barn Swallow. Fascinating.

Barn Swallow harassing Kestrel

Weather today (so far) in Erie County: chilly, foggy, wet. Happy nature!

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