
Incredible pictures taken in California have captured two northern harriers playing catch with a squirrel and a lizard hundreds of feet above the ground.

The fearsome birds, which have a 4ft-wide wingspan, were seen exchanging their prey in a spectacular show of skill rarely seen on camera.

The predatory raptors were a mating male and female enjoying a lunch date - to the horror of their unfortunate prey.

In one photo, a maimed-looking squirrel is released by the male for the female to intercept - presumably to bring back to a nest of chicks.

Another shot shows the lifeless body of a small lizard plummeting downwards as the female prepares to make the catch.

Displaying extraordinary agility, one catch is even made as the female bird flies upside down, turning its claws up towards the sky.

The male harrier will perform this majestic food-delivery service for his harem of up to seven females.

He was spotted in the middle of his duties by US-based programme manager Phoo Chan, 50 at the Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont.

Lunch date: A pair of mating northern harriers put on an incredible mid-air display at the Coyote Hills Regional Park in California

Amazing agility: Displaying extraordinary skill, one catch is even made as the female bird flies upside down, turning its claws up to the sky

Lizard's on the menu: A small reptile is seen plummeting downwards as the female prepares to make the catch