As I suspected the Spotted Harrier clan on the plains includes no less than three juveniles – a wonderful result.
The youngsters are doing well it seems , chasing food on the ground and from the air. The adults have been absent during my visits … I suspect they are watching their offspring and the photographer from a distance.
Spotted Harriers lay two to four eggs in a clutch, although to raise three healthy juveniles is, I reckon, a little unusual and a sign of an abundance of food this season.
Juvenile Spotted Harrier, Moolort Plains, 15th January 2021
Juvenile #1
Juvenile #2
Juvenile #3
Constant calling is a feature of young Spotted Harriers
That ‘owl-like’ face!
As always, wonderful photographs, thanks.
Great photos Geoff! I spent hours with a spotter and bino’s looking for them on the plains yesterday (17/1) (including their previous haunts), but to no avail. Looks like another visit next weekend…