Marsh Harrier at the Laguna de Barlovento reservoir

 

Female Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)  seen harassing Common Coots (Fulica atra)

Apologies for the poor quality of the photos, which were taken at the Laguna de Barlovento reservoir yesterday, Decembre 27. 

As followers of this blog, or those familiar with the location will appreciate, the "laguna" lacks good access for birdwatchers. The only convenient observation point, with views over the surrounding fence, is found at a considerable distance from the water.

Female Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) causing panic among the Common Coots (Fulica atra)

Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) in action.

The Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) is the most frequent of the four European harriers which pass through, or occasionally overwinter on the Canary Islands. Records are mostly of single birds, mainly females and immatures during the winter period. and more regularly on the eastern islands.

The "cat among the pigeons" effect

The present female is almost certainly the same individual first recorded at this location on February 16 2025 and later seen on February 27. I flushed it again in some nearby fields on May 28.

Female Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) about to swoop down on a flock of Common Coots (Fulica atra)

It was interesting to observe the interaction between this solitary Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and the response of one of its potential prey species, the Common Coot (Fulica atra). 

Exceptionally, all 33 Coots had gathered in deep water, away from the vegetated edges of the reservoir, where any isolated individual might have been seized by the raptor.