Nest Predation

Clyde-Muirsheil Hen Harriers

Hen Harriers: 1 ¦ 2 ¦ 3 ¦ 4 ¦ 5 ¦ 6

Before and after

The top half of this sketchbook page shows the full Hen Harrier brood of 2005. Note the smallest chick behind the others on the left of the image.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
That small chick within days of his siblings' predation by a fox (next image) was getting five times his normal share, until he got to the point that he couldn't eat any more and was shying away from his parents' food offerings.

Hen Harrier chick fights off predating fox

This painting records the moment when the smallest chick successfully strikes the fox on the nose with his talons. Notice the youngster lies back with wings spread to support his sharp offensive.

The Warrior Chick

The sole survivor of the nest, the youngest of the siblings (which Lucy called 'Rocky'), was ringed EK01869, and fledged successfully, flying off on 24th July 2005.

The Cast of Runes

This is much more the sketch book page of a designer, indeed I feel that my art of recent years has brought the fine art of wildlife into the field of design.

Hen Harrier mother with young in nest.

This painting shows the nest before it was predated by the fox.
At this stage, the mother seemed very relaxed and we were all optimistic for her clutch. This may be reflected in the exuberance of my golden knotwork!

Female Hen Harrier on nest

This final painting of the 2005 female is drawn from the same sketch as seen previously, but painted on a larger board to allow the composition to carry the cast of runes.

More Hen Harriers: 1 ¦ 2 ¦ 3 ¦ 4 ¦ 5 ¦ 6
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