It isn't often that you (or rather I) get to see predators taking on potential prey larger than them. At least not avian predators. Three years ago, I watched a falcon make a stoop at a Raven out my front window (and with the vagaries of memory I was amazed that it was three years ago, I could have sworn it was last year). It was a short attack, and after it failed the bird left.
This morning I looked at that same window and saw a couple of Ravens playing in the wind. It is a cold blustery, snowy day here, and I marvel at how the Ravens seem to take joy in days like this. But as I turned I thought something looked, well, different, and turned back for a closer look. It was then I realized that what I was seeing was a Peregrine Falcon making turn after turn at a Raven, trying to knock it out of the sky. I cursed the fact that both my long lens, and my binoculars were in the truck, and I expected the show to end quickly.
But it didn't. The falcon continued to make short dives at, and chase, the Raven. It actually tried a couple of different Ravens, but seemed bent on getting the one bird. By now I was torn between watching the drama unfold, or running and getting my camera and getting some photos. I ran to my room and grabbed the camera, threw on a coat and boots and got the lens, and binoculars. I arrived at the corner of the House just in time to see the Raven land, and the Peregrine make a couple of passes at it. I kept losing sight of the Peregrine through the camera but every time the Raven would try and take to the air, it would come back at it, so I began concentrating on the Raven.
The Raven took off again and sure enough the Peregrine came at it low, closed the distance and then began diving at it repeatedly. The photos are crumby, but they convey some of the story.
Here the Raven rolls to meet the falcon, coming at it with talons extended.
The next couple are the Peregrine making another couple of passes at the Raven, you get a good sense of the size difference between the two in the second photo.
Finally the Peregrine peeled away and flew back towards the hills behind town. As it flew low I lost sight of it in the poor light. The drama had ended, but I look forward to bird's next hunting foray in town.
Comments
6 responses
I guess I’m pretty naive about who eats what. It really surprises me that the Peregrine would go for a Raven…not so much because of the size as difficulty. Is small furry food already scarce up there?
Peregrine are primarily bird eaters, but in general smaller prey than this. This time of year most of the smaller passerines have left are are getting scarce. This is the second time I’ve seen this, neither time successful.
Ah. I had no idea that ANY birds fed primarily on other birds! I just assumed that small mammals would be the food of choice. Thanks for taking the time to teach me something new!
Quite a few birds feed primarily on other birds, including a couple of songbirds, the Shrikes. Probably the best known are the acipiters, such as Cooper’s and Sharpshinned Hawks, and Goshawk.
Very interesting story Clare. As you said, these encounters are usually over quickly. I’m glad you finally decided to get the camera. Kinda tough to get those shots of a Peregrine Falcon in a stoop! Nice job!
Thank you, Larry.