Hawk versus Crow:Battle at Possum Point

It was a cool, clear dry morning, perfect for birding. I headed for Possum Point, arriving a little after dawn. After checking the point for seabirds, I headed back up the hill, and was treated to a stand off between a Cooper’s Hawk and some crows who didn’t want him in the ‘hood. The hawk was adamant about remaining perched in a large dead tree, and counter-attacked several times before moving to a nearby pine where the harassment continued. He eventually left the area, but the struggle for dominance was a sight to see, and the sort of thing that keeps birders coming back for more. I continued on to Greenbury Point, where I got a few nice shots.

Great Blue Heron

Now that the Ospreys have left, this Great Blue Heron has occupied their nesting platform as a resting spot.

Turkey Vulture

I’ve seen Turkey Vultures in this tree before, but it, too, is usually occupied by Ospreys.

Ring Billed Gull

This piling at the tip of the point is almost always occupied by a seabird like this Ring Billed Gull.

Cooper's Hawk

As I headed up the hill from the point, I heard a loud racket from several Crows, and it quickly became apparent they were mobbing this Cooper’s Hawk, lower left in the dead tree.

Cooper's Hawk

After taking some distant shots, I crept closer to get a better look. I may not have succeeded had the hawk not been so pre-occupied with the Crows.

Cooper's Hawk

When I’ve seen hawks mobbed in the past, they have usually been quickly driven off, but this guy elected to attack the Crows. Here, he is heading up to do battle.

Cooper's Hawk

The Crow recognized the threat, and quickly took off, but not for long.

Cooper's Hawk

As the Crow left, the hawk banked to return to his perch.

Cooper's Hawk

The Crows quickly returned and continued their harassment.

Cooper's Hawk

The hawk attacked once more.

Cooper's Hawk

He returned to the tree, and here he’s scanning for the Crow’s return.

Cooper's Hawk

He finally gives me a relatively unobstructed look.

Cooper's Hawk

The Crows don’t give up easily.

Cooper's Hawk

A good look from the front.

Cooper's Hawk

The Crows returned and he attacked once more.

Cooper's Hawk

The Crows don’t give up easily.

Cooper's Hawk

Even though they’re of a similar size, the Hawk has no fear of the Crow.

Cooper's Hawk

The battle continues.

Cooper's Hawk

The Hawk is running out of patience.

Cooper's Hawk

Close call!

Cooper's Hawk

The Crows are as determined as the Hawk.

Cooper's Hawk

I was amazed the battle had continued this long. (8 minutes by this time).

Cooper's Hawk

Finally, he’s driven off to a nearby tree.

Great Crested Flycatcher

This appears to be a Great Crested Flycatcher.

Eastern Phoebe

He’s small and far away, but he appears to be an Eastern Phoebe.

Eastern Phoebe

A closer look at our Eastern Phoebe.

Bay-Bridge

A look at the Bay-Bridge from Possum Point.

Rock Dove

I’ve been taking bird pictures for about a year, and this is the first Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) I’ve been in a position to photograph. In fact, I nearly stepped on him.

Blue Grosbeak

Blue Grosbeak

This Blue Grosbeak will be migrating soon.

Palm  Warbler

I need a remote branch clipper for birds that pose like this Palm Warbler.

Mockingbird

Mockingbirds may be the bird I see most often.

2 thoughts on “Hawk versus Crow:Battle at Possum Point

  1. Fighting pictures are amazing…Was there noise too..I like to think that i can hear them when I see your pictures. Must have been thrilling.

  2. Hugh, Really enjoyed and sas amazed by these pictures, as was my wife, Karen. We live in Charlottesville, Va. now. I’m getting a new right hip 10/29. After I fully recover and rebuild my strength I’d love to come up and join you for a day if you are interested in a novice tagalong. If you ever want to bird in this area we have a spare room. Dinny can get you my cell number from George. Don’t want to webbize it.
    P.S. My so Max quit Microsoft to become an ornithologist. The kids for the birds. Regards, Dana

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