Hawk and prey

Got to work this morning and noticed a Hawk on the line above my car, right next to the building.

Got some pics with the little camera I carry with me. I was surprised because as I moved closer, the Hawk stayed.

I was wondering why he stayed as I got right below him, then I noticed the little Mourning Dove lying on the sidewalk, one he probably injured in the air.

Since the Dove was already injured, I walked away and watched as the Hawk came down for his victim, then flew off with it.

This message was edited Mar 31, 2008 9:16 PM

Nice pics! The Doves do seem to fall prey to Hawks an awful lot.

Immature Cooper's Hawk.

Yep, doves are a common prey for Cooper's. Doves have a very high reproductive rate, so their populations can take it without problem (and if there weren't any predation, they'd get so numerous as to run out of food and starve).

Resin

Thanks Pelle and Resin. I knew I had to let things alone, but nature is sometimes hard to watch.