Predator and Prey

This red tail killed a mourning dove, then ate him in my backyard. I

couldn't get closer. Comments will be appreciated and reciprocated.

This isn't a Red-tailed Hawk; it's actually a Cooper's Hawk. Cooper's are smaller than Red-Tails, and Red-Tails don't have the barring on the underside of the tail. Cooper's are built more for speed and feed on small birds...Red-Tails do not feed on birds as readily.

 

Great shot nonetheless. I wish I could get this close to one.

Very cool. What a unique experience! I do agree with Patrick's assessment that this looks like an immature Coopers Hawk, but regardless - its a cool shot!

Serves me right for not checking with my colleagues in the Biology Department. Are Cooper's Hawks anything like Kestrels? Glad you like the shot.