Cooper's Hawk and the Ground Squirrels

The ground squirrels were out in force today. The Cooper's Hawk sat for less than a minute before it made it's first attempt (and came up empty). The next attempt followed in short order, a short way up the hill from the telephone pole the hawk started upon.

What was surprising was not the hawk's quick work, but the squirrel's reaction. I would have expected them to run and hide. Instead they stood and watched, 4 or 5 of them, erect and still as the hawk killed the prey and began to eat. At first, it looked like they might be gathering to drive off the hawk, but it was not the case. A couple of them returned to foraging.

Maybe knowing where the enemy is lessened their fear, or they were shocked into stillness, or they really didn't like the squirrel who was being eaten! Overall, it seemed like a horrible strategy given that there were three white tailed kites also working the hill.

Would be curious if anyone has witnessed the like...

Posted on Σεπτέμβριος 24, 2018 0744 ΠΜ by adrained