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Posted by Paul-the-other on 12:34:24 11/09/06
A most unusual morning at Hoechoka Hammock. Three hawk strikes on pigeons and collard doves. All were successful kills. Two red-shouldered hawks and one Northern Harrier. The Harrier went to the bird pond to clean his bill and was what (?) fascinated by his reflcetion. He spent 20 minutes just cocking his head and looking into the water. Maybe the gambusi caught his attention. It was quite a show and several "birders" enjoyed the show. Meanwhile (catch this Holly) hummers in the oaks back on the northeast meadow area. All the hummers (about 7) were working the oak trees. All ruby throated. Two flocks of mottles ducks flew in, a large wedge of white ibis circled and landed to add to the avian commotion. Warblers were abundant: pine/yellow rumped/prairie and many blue gray gnatcathcrs. Three downey woodpeckers, one flicker and an orchard oriole. Overhead 30-45 black and turkey vultures moving generally southward with a little east drift. A set of 15 fish crows also passed north to south.
Back to the hawks: although feathers, some fleash, and a foot were debris left behind I could find no head. Do hawks eat the head of their prey? I never thought much about that.
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