There was much interest in the middle ages hunting herons and cranes
through falconry. In the modern Middle East bustards are a prize quarry.
But this is a totally artificial context, and the "hawks" used were/are always
Gyrfalcons, Sakers, and the like. I can't imagine a falconer even contemplating
using a Buteo for the job. I'm sorry none of the responses have been public.
This is an amazing event for me at least.
Lars
On Nov 21, 2016, at 8:35 AM, Tiffany Manger wrote:
Hi, all.
Our field trip leader, after thinking upon the Red-tailed Hawk and Great Blue
Heron on his way home from the trip, does not think the Red-tailed Hawk
actually fed on the GBHE, after all, but was only going after the prey item
that the GBHE perhaps caught first. A few of the observations that led him to
this conclusion is that, although we definitely witnessed the Red-tail kill
the Heron, when it was "ripping" at its prey, feathers were not being carried
away by the wind. Also, the Red-tail did not seem to be ripping at the breast
of the heron, but rather was near/on its neck/beak area.
I apologize if my post caused undue excitement or interest, but upon leaving
the field trip we had all believed that the Hawk fed on the Heron. I didn't
receive the KBAS' field trip leader's updated opinion until after I sent the
email and am just now getting this sent out.
Regardless, it was still quite a sight to see a Red-tail kill a GBHE!
Thanks for all of your replies - I will respond to them.
Sincerely,
Tiffany
On Nov 19, 2016 6:52 PM, "Tiffany Manger" <77trinket@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi, all. On the KBAS "Raptor Ralley, Butte Valley" field trip today, we
witnessed a Red-tailed Hawk attack, kill, and then feed on a Great Blue
Heron. It was quite surprising to all of us present! We think there is a
possibility they were both heading for the same prey when the Red-tail
changed it's mind and attacked the Great Blue instead....?
Upon discussing it on our drive back, we wondered if anyone had ever seen or
heard of this happening before? I suppose it's not out of the realm of
possibilities, but we were fairly shocked as it was happening.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Tiffany
