Prairie Phoenix

Abstract

"This photo of a Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) was taken in Gainesville as the bird flew over the prairie in search of some food. Fire is a critical component to the prairie ecosystem, it burns away dried out plant matter, returning nutrients to the soil and preventing dried plants from accumulating. Additionally, Fires allow grasses and wildflowers to flourish by killing off trees. Trees left unregulated would choke out the prairie plants and grow into a forest. While fire does pose a threat to animals and nests, the harrier has been seen hunting along burning grasses and snatching up rodents and snakes that are fleeing the flames. In Australia, other species of predatory birds take this hunting strategy to the next level, spreading fires by dropping burning sticks and starting brushfires to flush out prey" - Oskar Garcia