Raptors are often hassled by smaller birds, in this case it was a Caspian Tern chasing a White-bellied Sea-Eagle.
Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)
Canon 5DIII, Canon 100-400m L IS USM
1/2500, f/8.0, ISO 400
I’ve been looking through shots from earlier times and thought you might like to see this magnificent White-bellied Sea-Eagle being hassled by a Caspian Tern. These eagles are the second largest Australian raptors, slightly smaller than Wedge-tailed Eagles. Caspian Terns are huge, powerful terns with massive red bills. It was a dramatically quick flyover, I’m glad I remembered to press the shutter button!
I often see raptors hassled by magpies and ravens, and even by smaller birds like bold Willie Wagtails. This is the only time I’ve been lucky enough to see a Sea-Eagle hassled by a tern.
The drama took place at Mud Islands in Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay.
Take care out there, happy birding, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
Shows what motherhood will do keep their family safe. Great shot!!!
Fiercely protective for sure Togram!
Amazing photo, glad you remembered to press that button! ‘Our’ sea eagles get chased by magpies, ravens and brave little willy wagtails, it’s always a good day to see a sea eagle though!
Thanks Donna. It’s great that you get to see sea-eagles often enough to call them yours, that would be seriously awesome!
Hi Kim, This I see all the time and it is fascinating as these birds are all aerial specialists and it is just like a ‘dogfight’ you see in war epics where they move at incredibly fast speeds and then dodge and weave and dive and in some ways you think it is almost a ‘game’ and each of the birds have total respect for each other. The little birds are cagey enough to not get anywhere near those talons or beak and just want to let the ‘big guy’ know they are more than capable of protecting their little bit of sky and piece of paradise. I always assumed the smaller birds are also protecting nests in the area, especially when there are 3 or 4 little birds harassing these beautiful and spectacular raptors.
I live on the south coast and we are privileged to see the sea eagles gliding across the sand (and catching fish) and wedgetails soaring over the rolling hills which are full of mice and rabbits and, therefore, providing lots of bush tucker.
The kestrels and hawks live on the cliffs and you can sit close and watch them zoom down on to the beach and grassed areas and find their fare.
As Jonanthon Lockwood Huie said “may you soar on eagle wings, high above the madness of the world” definitely the way to go as we all cope with a world that is changing rapidly.
Stay safe
Thanks for sharing such interesting information Barbara. I’m sure you’re right about the birds being particularly protective when they are nesting. Where you live sounds spectacular! It would be amazing to soar on eagle wings, though watching some of the footage from tiny bird-mounted cameras I’m not sure that I’d be much good at it.
Wow, you captured that at a great moment. Reminds me of when I was lucky enough to see a Wedge-tailed eagle being hassled by several much smaller birds, and then on another occasion one very courageous bird took on the task alone. For me, it was an unexpected experience.
It’s great that you’ve seen it too Margot. Magpies and Magpie-larks are especially when chasing raptors, along with Willie Wagtails! I hope you see it again soon.
ABSOLUTELY stunning. That tern is punching well above its weight.
I have often seen the Wedgies harassed by magpies in particular but this sight would stir my heart.
Thank you.
Stay safe, stay well.
It’s great to see how bold the smaller birds can be when facing these giant raptors. Magpies are definitely among the brave ones.