Crows really don’t like it when there’s a predator bird around. We once made the mistake of releasing a Cooper’s hawk in the yard after he was rehabilitated by the wildlife rescue. (I worked for them at that time.) Literally within minutes, there was a large group of more than 20 crows, several groups of blue jays, and some mockingbirds (although they just came to watch the drama). I felt horrible! Thankfully the hawk was okay but he did get attacked several times. He’s still living in the area.
That's an awesome experience, Aria. I like how you mention the Mockingbirds coming to watch the drama. The Cooper's Hawks do seem to be quite resilient. I have seen them reach an uneasy truce with local crows as well. Thanks for sharing that experience.
Great capture! I had the pleasure of listening to northern horned owls hooting just outside our house after turning off the Purdue/Houston basketball game on Friday night.
You being in tune with the crowd to have these amazing encounters and these captures just adds an excellent layer to the story! Nature brings more Nature. Beautiful stuff, Neil.
Absolutely wild, Neil! What an awesome and awe inspiring photo of the Great Horned Owl looking at you with one eye through the pine needles. Amazing with help from your Crow friends.
Thanks Heidi! I was quite surprised at that too! I thought maybe the crows had found a Barred Owl as I have seen them in those pines many times. Happily surprised to see a Great Horned Owl though! It has been several years since I have seen one in the park.
Crows really don’t like it when there’s a predator bird around. We once made the mistake of releasing a Cooper’s hawk in the yard after he was rehabilitated by the wildlife rescue. (I worked for them at that time.) Literally within minutes, there was a large group of more than 20 crows, several groups of blue jays, and some mockingbirds (although they just came to watch the drama). I felt horrible! Thankfully the hawk was okay but he did get attacked several times. He’s still living in the area.
That's an awesome experience, Aria. I like how you mention the Mockingbirds coming to watch the drama. The Cooper's Hawks do seem to be quite resilient. I have seen them reach an uneasy truce with local crows as well. Thanks for sharing that experience.
Great capture! I had the pleasure of listening to northern horned owls hooting just outside our house after turning off the Purdue/Houston basketball game on Friday night.
Thanks, Keith and happy to share. They are a treat to see and hear as well!
Telltale crows’ loud mob
lead birder poet to spot.
Great Horned Owl busted!
Thanks for the wonderfully appropriate haiku, Marisol!
Wow, great photos and video. I think you owe those crows some peanuts :)
Thanks, Thomas and definitely owe the crows a lot of peanuts!
You being in tune with the crowd to have these amazing encounters and these captures just adds an excellent layer to the story! Nature brings more Nature. Beautiful stuff, Neil.
Thanks, James. I'm definitely fortunate to have seen so many owls and hawks and other birds with the help of these crows.
Absolutely wild, Neil! What an awesome and awe inspiring photo of the Great Horned Owl looking at you with one eye through the pine needles. Amazing with help from your Crow friends.
Thanks Heidi! I was quite surprised at that too! I thought maybe the crows had found a Barred Owl as I have seen them in those pines many times. Happily surprised to see a Great Horned Owl though! It has been several years since I have seen one in the park.
That was so cool. You had your own guides leading you to the big surprise. And they weren't very quiet about it. Excellent.
Thank you, Kathleen. These crows have been really helpful and you're right, very loud and vocal!