Red-tailed hawk and crow

This air battle was very intense. No matter how much the red-tailed hawk screamed and tried to maneuver away, the crow just kept coming. Fortunately, after a lot of screaming and diving, they parted ways without any apparent injuries. I’m always amazed at how relentlessly the crows will go after raptors. I know I’ve said this before, but I imagine if a raptor routinely ate my babies, I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to cause a little grief. On the other hand, a hawk has to eat. And, of course, I am not able to separate my humanness from the experience. I would imagine their relationship is far more interesting, complex, and symbiotic than I can figure out. Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

Crow Chases Hawk


This poor red-tailed hawk was getting chased by a crow. We see this routinely. Of course, when one thinks about the fact that raptors are often dining on the crows’ young, it makes a bit more sense. It seems strange, but it is not unusual for raptors to be “brought down” by smaller birds. Click on picture to enlarge.