Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 16:14:06 -0800 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Steve Noyes Subject: Re: harrier question In-Reply-To: <04D7BABC.6C2D472D.0016BA20@aol.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii I had a good look with binoculars and remember also noticing very ruffled tail feathers like the bird had been in a fight. The legs was dangling straight down rather that a typical bend at the "elbow". I'm convinced it was a broken or badly damaged leg. The other leg was either tucked in out of sight or "gone". The bird may have been the loser of a battle....being inexperienced. I'll look for it again tomorrow and try to watch for behavior or difficulties. Steve N. Steve Huy wrote: 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 ======================================================================= Steve Noyes, Beltsville, PG County, MD noyessh@yahoo.com "One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin" ......W.Shakespeare --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================