FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Cooper's flight load revisited !

[OLCOOT1@xxxxxxx]

Feb. 10, 2003
Shelby Farms
Shelby Co. TN

Today, on a trip through the Shelby Farms, I noticed all the pigeons and 
doves fleeing from a field. I guessed something was up and pulled up to see 
an immature Cooper's perched on top of a struggling Rock Dove. I tried to get 
my camera out in time for a shot of the struggle but a truck drove by and 
disturbed the hawk. I was treated to the hawk taking to the air with dove in 
tow. It flew quite effortless to a tree line some 100 yards away and 
disappeared. The weight plus the wind drag of the dove had to be a tough load 
to haul. I got one shot of the bird in the air with the dove that looks 
almost as large as the hawk itself. If you would like to see the shot I'll 
share. The Cooper's has to be carrying a little over half of its weight as 
they average 16 oz and a Rock Dove 9 oz. Pretty neat trick.......

Good Birding!!!

Jeff R. Wilson
OL' COOT / TLBA
Bartlett Tenn.


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