Coming home from SA State Park yesterday morning we spotted a hawk on the power line along the highway as we sped by. I quickly checked my mirrors then done a neat U-turn and came back and stopped near the curb, opposite the bird. On closer examination with my binoculars I believe it to be an immature Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni).
Swainson’s Hawk – immature
A few feet away on the same wire, was a Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos). As we watched, the mockingbird decided he didn’t like the presence of the hawk. It would take off, fly a bit and and harass the hawk. Repeatedly, it would fly at the hawk, actually coming in contact with it. It was trying to knock the hawk off of the wire, or at least get it to fly away. The hawk would have none of it, and it just stood or sat it’s ground and continued to take the beating.
Swainson’s Hawk and Northern Mockingbird
Swainson’s Hawk and Northern Mockingbird
Swainson’s Hawk under attack by a Northern Mockingbird
As you can see, the Northern Mockingbird wasn’t messing around. He meant business, but the hawk ignored him as if he was just a pesky mosquito. He eventually gave it up and said adios to the hawk.
Click on any photo to see an enlargement.
A brilliant sequence – well done!
Many thanks, Jo, I appreciate your comment. 🙂
That must have been funny to watch! I can’t believe that little mockingbird was bullying the hawk! You got GREAT shots here!!
Yes, very entertaining. I just sat there snapping away and enjoying. Thanks, Holly.
It seems rare that you miss a great opportunity, Bob! I bet you never leave home without it – your camera, of course! What a neat series of pictures. It reminds me of something I saw a few months ago (but of course didn’t get any pictures) : about three bluejays were attacking a hawk while flying! I think they started out on a tree limb, then followed the hawk when it had enough. I’m surprised that hawks don’t turn around and just eat the smaller birds!
You are very right. I always have my camera with me, so I don’t miss opportunities like this very often. I don’t know why hawks don’t get more agressive and some the birds. I have seen them attack and eat White-winged Doves. Thanks for the comment, Karen.
Boy that last photo is amazing. Sometimes I have days like that …when I find some big enormous thing in my way and it won’t budge! Poor mockingbird…. I know how it feels! Please forgive me for my anthropomorphism… 🙂
I know what you mean. Thanks for the comment, Merrill. 🙂
A really fun sequence Bob – this kind of series isn’t easy to get. And your “check your mirrors/U-turn remark brought a huge smile to my face. I know that maneuver very well!
Ron, you and I are so much alike. We could have been great buddies. 🙂
But of course, I do consider you a great friend. 🙂
Wow!
🙂
Great photos. I love the hawks nonchalance
Yes, isn’t that great? Thanks, Alison.
Fantastic observation, Bob! And truly brilliant photos, portraying the tale of two birds.
Loved this, Bob!
Thank you very much, Nandini.
Hilarious sequence! I love how the hawk seems to be oblivious to the mocking birds attack. 😉
~ Lynda
Thanks, Lynda. It was very funny to watch. The hawk just kept ignoring the mockingbird.
Great sequence of shots, Bob! And for me even better to see In Action! birds I don’t get too often up here.
Thanks, Lisa. I appreciate your comments. 🙂
Wonderful pictures Bob. What a great story!! xo
Thanks a bunch, Melissa. I am glad you liked the thrilling story. 🙂 ox
That’s a fabulous series of photos, Bob. I’d have been thrilled to capture that interaction – and am glad you turned round.
Thanks, Sid. It was entertaining to watch.
Great series – you caught the birds just perfectly!
Thank you very much, Cindy.
great photos..the action is so funny..
Thank you, Syl, I agree.
Fantastic shots Bob! The N. Mockingbirds are the “security crew” in my backyard. I seen them chase hawks and crows several times. 🙂
Thanks a bunch, H.J. I appreciate your comments. 🙂
Thanks for that on the scene report, Bob. Turning to Eyewitness Weather……:)
Heh! Heh! Heh! Cute comment, Toby. 🙂
Love these shots. Amazing how you captured the attack. You got luck. My son has a stuffed Red Tail Hawk that makes sounds. He was at a zoo and the Hawk in the cage followed his eyes on that hawk making its call. Really cool.
Thanks, Martina. I appreciate it.
Ah…you actually captured that happening! Fantastic. Love the wing spread as she’s coming on. We witness it all the time…they are relentless on crows as well, three times their size.
I love mockingbirds’ vivacity. Makes me proud that they are our state bird. You go kick some hawk butt, mama mockingbird!
That little squirmish was cute. That Northern Hummingbird wasn’t about to give up. He just decided to pull back, retreat and try again another day. 🙂
Thanks for the comment, Shannon. 🙂