Watch As an Owl and Hawk Battle in Mid-Air Over a Vole

A dramatic mid-air battle between a marsh hawk and a short-eared owl was captured by photographer Henrik Nilsson.

The hawk swooped down on the unsuspecting owl, who had just captured a vole, a small rodent. Taking the owl by surprise, the hawk snatched the vole from the owl’s talons, claiming the meal for itself.

Nilsson explains how he witnessed the scene towards the end of his day in the field:

“It was near the end of the day as I was walking along a dyke back to my vehicle,”

Nilsson explains. “Fortunately I still had my camera and tripod over my shoulder rather than back in my camera bag, all of a sudden the short-eared owl was flushed out of the long grass near the dyke by the harrier.

So as fast as I could, I set up my gear once more.”

The bottom photo shows what looks like a face of rage and disgust on the owl, as the hawk successfully steals the meal, and flies away.

Nature’s battles play out every day, we’re grateful for photographers like Henrik Nilsson that capture them so well.

Images © Copyright Henrik Nilsson. Used with permission.