Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 17:32:17 -0500 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Steve Huy Subject: Re: harrier question MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Steve, I have often observed harriers in "hunting mode" brushing through the grass with their feet or flying low with legs dangling. I think they do this in anticipation of something moving and want to be ready for it, or perhaps do it to scare a stubborn critter into moving. It could also be an injured bird. Are you certain it was a leg you saw dangling and not a jess (leather strap used to tether captive raptors) or some other object caught on the leg? steve "Today, at the National Wildlife Research Center on the Patuxent Refuge, I noticed a juvenile Northern Harrier, either with only one leg or an injured leg. As it flew over the muddy expanse of the drained Lake Redington, I noticed only one leg "hanging" down. It was in a hunting mode, with its head scanning back and forth. Do harriers normally fly with legs folded under or hanging down. I know the talons would be extended as it goes in for the kill, but can't remember if I normally see them gliding with leg up or down. In any case, only one leg was hanging (almost limp-like)." ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================