Red Tailed Hawk
Nov 27, 2022 15:16:27 #
Came home to find this hawk in the backyard. At first I thought it was a Cooper’s Hawk because I see them quite often around here. Looked a little closer and decided it was a Red Tailed. I see them occasionally in the area, but I’ve never seen one taking a bird from my backyard before. Figured it was a pigeon or maybe a mourning dove because they are the slowest birds that frequent my backyard.
Left to go out for lunch so as to not disturb the hawk, and when we got back the hawk was still finishing up.
After the hawk left, I went outside to look at “The Scene Of The Crime”, and discovered that the “Victim” was NOT a dove or pigeon, but a Cooper’s Hawk! I’ve never seen a hawk take another hawk for a meal in my 76 years!
A closer look at the “victim’s” tail, which is what I used to determine it was a Cooper’s Hawk, and not a Sharp Shinned Hawk.
Never realized that there were that many feathers on a Cooper’s Hawk! Sure did leave a mess in my backyard!
Andy
Left to go out for lunch so as to not disturb the hawk, and when we got back the hawk was still finishing up.
After the hawk left, I went outside to look at “The Scene Of The Crime”, and discovered that the “Victim” was NOT a dove or pigeon, but a Cooper’s Hawk! I’ve never seen a hawk take another hawk for a meal in my 76 years!
A closer look at the “victim’s” tail, which is what I used to determine it was a Cooper’s Hawk, and not a Sharp Shinned Hawk.
Never realized that there were that many feathers on a Cooper’s Hawk! Sure did leave a mess in my backyard!
Andy
Nov 27, 2022 15:40:55 #
wow- didn't think raptors took other raptors ... sort of a professional courtesy thing ... guess i was wrong about that!
Nov 28, 2022 00:59:56 #
Nov 28, 2022 06:31:01 #
Nov 28, 2022 06:51:08 #
Nov 28, 2022 07:45:12 #
tcthome
Loc: NJ
Maybe a territorial take over thing. Or just plain hungry. Either way a first for me also. Thanks for posting.
Nov 28, 2022 12:02:07 #
Nov 28, 2022 13:12:56 #
Nov 28, 2022 13:59:06 #
nealbralley
Loc: Kansas
Red tailed hawk probably caught that other hawk messing around with his girlfriend! I think that is how that works!
Nov 28, 2022 19:42:14 #
Grump's Photos wrote:
Came home to find this hawk in the backyard. At fi... (show quote)
A very interesting and well documented set. It is an unusual occurrence and one that would be of interest to birding groups, several of which would be happy to have your photos. It's rough out there for everyone!
Nov 29, 2022 09:03:36 #
Nov 29, 2022 15:04:37 #
Grump's Photos wrote:
Came home to find this hawk in the backyard. At fi... (show quote)
Looks like a cruise missile hit it 😲😲😲😲😲
Nov 29, 2022 17:18:58 #
Dec 1, 2022 17:25:32 #
Nice series. Thanks for following up.
Maybe he was hurt, it seems strange that he should be able to take another hawk.
Maybe he was hurt, it seems strange that he should be able to take another hawk.
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