Hawk and Dove

Some days you’re the hawk, some days you’re the dove, though I hope it’s not as dire as this.

 

It looks like this mourning dove had a rough start to the week, but the sharp-shinned hawk looks pretty pleased.

Usually I see Cooper’s Hawks after birds in my neighborhood, but this is a sharp-shinned hawk.

I just happened to see this little scene at an intersection in my neighborhood as I drove down the street. I slowed and got my camera immediately and took the first few photos as I rolled closer through my windshield and then through my side window. I could see the hawk was “tenderizing” the dove, stepping on it and digging its claws into the bird. Tiny feathers were everywhere.

When it was clear the hawk wasn’t moving I rolled down my window and then rolled right up to the hark. Not until a car came down the cross street toward us did the hawk grab the dove and fly off.

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