Hawk playing with its prey

#43

#44

#45

What an ordeal for the poor bird and for you to watch. I had no idea a hawk would actually play with a bird like that. You did a great job.

#46 And as you can see, it is still alive. This after 10 minutes of "play."

#47 Apparently tired of the game, the hawk quickly puts the smaller bird out of its misery.

This message was edited Oct 12, 2010 5:48 AM

#48 Last shot. He flies away with its prey

Yes, duc, I was surprised too. I have never seen or even heard of such a thing (But then, I am not an expert on hawks). Clearly he could have killed the bird at the very start. I was amazed that it could still fly after absorbing as much punishment as it did. I guess the hawk knew he could finish it whenever it wanted.

Wow that's incredible! Definitely sad for the bird but what fascinating behavior to witness! I've never seen anything like it. This might be a Coopers Hawk? Great of you to do such a wonderful job getting so many pics. It couldn't have been easy to watch.
Fantastic job Dave and thanks for sharing these with us!

Sorry Dave, I thought you'd stopped posting. I'm sure glad the hawk finally put the bird out of its misery.

Ohhhhhhhhhhh! What a thing to see!

I was reduced to tears a few days ago when a Pygmy Owl took a Red-breasted Nuthatch. Thankfully, it was quick, but the Nuthatch partner was very upset. He fussed loudly for some time. Broke my heart.

Great job capturing this...juvenile Cooper's Hawk...the best I can do on the other bird is maybe a Goldfinch. I think birds other than songbirds have enough brain to have the ability of play (could be just the raptors though)..Ive seen a young Bald Eagle tossing sticks around before.

Thanks guys. I see that I skipped #3 and #37. But you got most of them and all of the better ones.

Amazing, like a cat and mouse!

Just what I was going to say almost...I watched similar behavoir between a mother cat, her kitten and a mouse. Mom cat clearly was teaching the kitten hunting basics and what was prey.
I was mesmerized and just watched and learned too.

That had to be spell binding...great job on the photos Dave!