Although it visits the backyard bird feeders almost every day in winter, the Sharp-shinned Hawk (right) is not usually successful in snatching up a Mourning Dove, its favourite food target. Mourning Doves usually forage for seeds on the ground and are quite exposed to aerial attacks by hawks. But the hawk needs as much luck as skill to be successful enough to make the attempts worthwhile.
When the hawk is successful, a plump Mourning Dove makes a substantial meal. And if Sharp-shinned Hawk are not threat enough, the Mourning Dove must be equally lucky to escape the clutches of Cooper's Hawks that swoop by frequently.
Please comment if you wish.
BarrytheBirder
No comments:
Post a Comment