After last night’s earthquake, we received a second shock.
These two flashed by then crashed into the living room window a few feet from where we were sitting.
I wasn’t sure I even wanted to take a photo, but this is a facet of nature isn’t it? The camera was nearby and I was able to press the shutter once before the predator flew away with the prey.
Have you seen something like this on Salt Spring?
Yes, it is sad, isn’t it?
That is a varied Thrush the hawk has. Is this a Cooper’s Hawk? I will send you a separate photo of the thrush and the hawk.
I never get sad when a heron eats a fish, but when a hawk or eagle gets a bird my heart breaks. Guess it is warm-blooded relationship.
Well said Tamar. Thanks.
Are you suggesting that the two might be related? That the hawk flew into your window because of something it sensed in its environment that distracted it or are you just noting that one followed the other?
I’m pretty sure the hawk chased the thrush into the window. It was a blur, then a bang! And the two birds were on the ground. But only the hawk was standing.
(from an email msg)
wow John – this is quite the stunning photo. I have seen this bird (careening in to catch a quail) while gardening. Is it a falcon?
well done.
florence
ps: happy 2016 to you!!!
Tamar thinks it might be a Cooper’s Hawk. I think it might be based on and internet search. Be good to find out.
John, one of my cats narrowly escaped the clutches of one of these birds. I was sitting on the deck overlooking the garden and it came swooping down very fast at the cat who just managed to duck under the fence! Very frightening. I read in the Driftwood that predatory birds are increasing in numbers in our area. That is good – that is nature. BTW, I lost a cat years ago when an eagle came down and picked it up before my very eyes!
Yikes! Scary stuff Alice. (not the part about the Driftwood).
Yes, to all, it is a Cooper’s Hawk. They are masters at chasing their prey into windows, then swoop down and scoop it up alive or dead. We have a resident who’s been around for years. I’ve witnessed it from inside the window, not even feet away – just in the right place at the right time to see it. It grieves me too Tamar with birds, esp. the Varied Thrush – they have such a melodious song/call, and they’re beautiful too. Thank you John for sharing!
Thanks Carol.