Nature Walk: Predactor and Prey

If you are a tree sparrow (right), it is wise for you to keep an eye out for hungry sharp-shinned hawks (left) that are about twice your size.You’d make a perfect meal. Sharp-shinned hawks and their larger cousins Cooper hawks can maneuver through woodlands with amazing speed as they seek out small birds. They are not fussy. If it moves, it’s fair game. Birds that sitting motionless for extended periods of time or diving for cover are good signs there may be a bird of prey in the area.

Where have you seen hawks and other birds of prey circling this winter? Were they searching for prey?

If you are interested in purchasing a print of this photo or requesting information on possible use of any of our “Nature Walk” photographs, please contact Carl Kurtz at cpkurtz@netins.net.

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