Subject: [Tweeters] Tag you are it! With a question.
Date: Oct 3 07:56:46 2008
From: Melissa McKenzie - bmsh.mckenzie at gte.net


While walking my kids home from school yesterday afternoon I noticed from a
distance what looked to be a crow bombarding something in the top of a tree.
As we got closer it became apparent that the something was a sharp shinned
hawk. What I realized was happening was not just the crow going after the
hawk but what appeared to be a game. The hawk would fly from a tree toward
the crow who would take off after the hawk, after one mid air confrontation
they would both go to separate trees. Next it was the crows turn to leave
his tree to be chased by the hawk.

We stopped to watch and this activity went on for close to five minutes. I
have seen this type of behavior before a few years ago with a crow and a red
tail hawk except that time both birds were in one tree and one would take
off toward another tree and be chased by the second. They also 'took turns'
chasing and being chased.

I was wondering if this was a common behavior and what might be behind the
actions. Is it training, and if so for which bird the crow or the hawk? Or
was it just a game?

Thank you for any thoughts.

Melissa McKenzie

Melissa McKenzie
bmsh.mckenzie at gte.net
Kenmore By The Lake