I once saw an accipiter (can't remember the species), capture and eat a
morning dove in our backyard in Sykesville.  As a trained wildlife biologist
I had been taught two key principals of the natural word ... the kill was
quick and clean, and nothing was wasted.

The accipiter proceeded to pluck the breast and started eating the breast
muscle while the still alive dove continued to helplessly flop around on the
ground for 10 minutes or more.  The hawk then flew off (chasing a titmouse
that had now returned to the feeder).  On inspection, I noticed the dove had
been at most 1/3 eaten.  I left it, the hawk never returned.

Two paradigms destroyed in one day ...

Mark

-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of June Tveekrem
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2004 9:22 AM
To: 
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Coopers Hawk

Or you may have had another predator in your yard, such as a feral 
cat.

June Tveekrem
Columbia, Howard County, MD



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "C COMEAU" <>
To: <>
Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 10:08 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Coopers Hawk


An adult Coopers Hawk feasted on fresh Mourning Dove in my back yard 
this (Tuesday) afternoon.  There was also a second pile of dove 
feathers.  Either the hawk killed twice or there were 2 hawks.

Cliff Comeau
Beltsville, MD