ML486029861
Contributor
Date
Location
- Age
- Not specified
- Sex
- Not specified
- Behaviors
- Foraging or eating
Media notes
Observed this bird eating a chipmunk
Observation details
Had stepped outside for something & out of the corner of my eye I saw a raptor fly up into the Bur Oak with a mammal in its talons. From inside i was able to get it into the scope and study it at close range ~ 50 feet. It had captured a chipmunk, ate quickly by the prey’s head area for about 8 minutes. The hawk then hopped off to another branch, lifted up one leg and sat for about 10 minutes. It then returned to the chipmunk, seemed to be more careful about removing fur, and ate for another 10 minutes or so. Got scope photos & one video of it eating the intestines as if spaghetti. The hawk hopped off the prey again, with a good-sized crop, sat on a branch for some time, constantly looking around but mostly down. It then quickly flew down into some shrubs attempting to get another chipmunk which got away. The COHA then flew away. I think it’s a SY as its eye color was quite yellow yet some hint of the darker orange of adults. I also think it’s a male as the nape was lighter though this plumage may be a function of age. (Note to self - learn more). Add photo
Technical information
- Dimensions
- 4032 pixels x 3024 pixels
- Original file size
- 1.82 MB