As the snowstorm settled over the highlands of Hima Hammana, the rugged beauty of Lebanon’s mountainous landscape transformed into a pristine white expanse. In the aftermath of the storm, a fierce struggle for survival unfolded in the sky. Captured by the keen lens of Chadi Saad, SPNL Homat Al Hima activist and manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site, two Common Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) engaged in a breathtaking aerial duel—a battle over food and territory.
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A Struggle for Survival
With the fresh snowfall covering much of the open land, the availability of prey—small rodents, insects, and reptiles—had become scarce. In times of abundance, kestrels maintain a relatively peaceful existence, each securing its own hunting grounds. However, when food becomes limited, disputes over territory and hunting privileges intensify, forcing these raptors into dramatic aerial contests.
The two kestrels, one slightly larger and more dominant, circled each other with piercing eyes locked in an unrelenting stare. Each bird was determined to defend its claim to the prime hunting grounds—a narrow valley edge where small mammals occasionally surfaced in search of food. The skirmish began with sharp cries that echoed across the snow-laden cliffs, warning of an impending clash.
The Battle for Dominance
With swift and calculated movements, the kestrels lunged at each other, their sharp talons clashing midair. They twisted and turned, maneuvering through the sky with incredible agility, each attempting to overpower the other. The dominant kestrel, possibly a resident of the territory, launched a decisive dive, forcing the intruder to retreat momentarily. But the challenger was not willing to give up easily—desperation and hunger drove it to persist.
Locked in combat, they darted through the sky in a dramatic display of precision, their wings slicing through the cold air. The battle lasted several intense minutes, each bird vying for supremacy, each move a calculated attempt to secure a vital piece of land.
Why Do Common Kestrels Fight for Territory?
Territory is crucial for kestrels, not only as a hunting ground but also as a nesting site during breeding seasons. Males and females stake their claims to favorable locations, ensuring a reliable food supply and protection from larger raptors. When resources become scarce, kestrels aggressively defend their domain, knowing that the loss of territory could mean starvation or displacement.
Snowstorms and harsh weather conditions further escalate these conflicts, making food sources even more valuable. With prey buried beneath thick snow, kestrels are forced to compete for any available patches of open land where hunting is still possible. This natural struggle for survival highlights the adaptability and resilience of these birds in the face of environmental challenges.
The Aftermath
As the fight reached its climax, the dominant kestrel delivered a final warning swoop, narrowly grazing the challenger’s wings. With a sharp cry of frustration, the intruder retreated into the distance, forced to search elsewhere for food. Victorious, the resident kestrel reclaimed its perch on a rocky outcrop, surveying its hard-won territory.
The spectacle captured by Chadi Saad serves as a reminder of the raw and untamed beauty of nature. In the wild, survival is an unending contest, a constant push and pull between strength and endurance. The story of these two kestrels, battling against the odds after the storm, encapsulates the relentless spirit of wildlife in Lebanon’s treasured Hima Hammana.
As conservation efforts continue, the presence of these magnificent raptors is a testament to the importance of protecting their natural habitats. Their struggle, though fierce, is a vital part of the ecological balance, ensuring the cycle of life endures in Lebanon’s rugged highlands.
