Animals Gotta Eat- A True Story
By DB
@dgobucks226 (35733)
March 5, 2023 10:04am CST
I recently was feeding the birds in my backyard and that usually at some point will draw the neighborhood squirrels. Well, on this day that critter had an unexpected visitor also looking for a free meal.
Usually ever month or so, I will see flying above the trees a Cooper's Hawk looking to swoop down and snatch one of my feeding birds. If I notice them, I'll shoo those feathered friends of mine away, so they go and hide. And if the hawk ventures close, I will shout so it leaves my property.
Well, with the birds scattered that left the squirrel who was too distracted by the seeds to notice the hawk in time. I was surprised to be a witness to what came next. That hawk grabbed that squirrel in its claws quicker than I could blink and off it flew that rodent daggling in the air.
So, in the animal kingdom it's a dog-eat-dog world, or in this photo I found, an Eagle eat seagull one, yikes! Unfortunately, the other gull was not able to save its friend. 
Have you ever seen anything like that? Or maybe you have a similar bird or animal story you can share.
Source idea: itsthevibe.com
Photo- pinterest.com
Have you ever seen anything like that? Or maybe you have a similar bird or animal story you can share.
Source idea: itsthevibe.com
Photo- pinterest.com14 people like this
15 responses
@FourWalls (69010)
• United States
5 Mar 23
What Grouchy said. I’ve seen a couple of doves get it from a hawk. And I hate it. I mean, I know it’s “part of nature,” but I don’t want it in my back yard.
3 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
Yes, very disturbing. Especially those docile doves. I saw the remains of a dove attacked by a hawk. Nothing but feathers!
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles mate for life. They are one of the largest birds of prey.
Cooper Males are significantly smaller than their mates. The danger is that female Cooper’s Hawks specialize in eating medium-sized birds. The males must be submissive to the female and wait for reassuring call notes the females make when they’re willing to be approached. Otherwise, they could wind up as dinner for the female!
2 people like this
@Hannihar (130213)
• Israel
6 Mar 23
@dgobucks226
I do not have an animal story like that at all to share. I have also never seen a hawk take a squirrel before.
2 people like this
@Hannihar (130213)
• Israel
8 Mar 23
@dgobucks226
thank you for the fun bird facts. That is sad that the squirrels and chipmunks they eat too but is is very sad that they eat doves and birds.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
Yes, Hanni, that was pretty impressive. They usually feed on birds but will also feast on mammals like squirrels and chipmunks. Noticed a hawk eating a dove, but I was too late to help. All that remained was feathers!
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles mate for life. They are one of the largest birds of prey.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.
2 people like this
@rebelann (112969)
• El Paso, Texas
8 Mar 23
I've followed bald eagle webs on YouTube for years especially Harriet and M15 and became interested in that one species of eagles. I did know about them being monogamous but wasn't sure about how high they could fly. Female bald eagles are larger than the males. Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the young when they hatch and some have noticed that when an egg does not hatch they will bury it within their nest which they generally come back to year after year.
I didn't know that much about the Coopers hawk, it surprises me that the female would mistake her mate for food, I had the impression they too mated for life.
Many raptors mate for life, I'm not so sure about other bird species.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
No not pleasant to see. Although I was no bothered by the squirrel as much as when that hawk caught a dove. Nothing left but feathers! Of course, if you watch nature documentary animals are always preying on each other. They have families to feed.
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles mate for life. They are one of the largest birds of prey.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.
Cooper Males are significantly smaller than their mates. The danger is that female Cooper’s Hawks specialize in eating medium-sized birds. The males must be submissive to the female and wait for reassuring call notes the females make when they’re willing to be approached. Otherwise, they could wind up as dinner for the female!
Of course, if you watch nature documentary animals are always preying on each other. They have families to feed.
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles mate for life. They are one of the largest birds of prey.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.
Cooper Males are significantly smaller than their mates. The danger is that female Cooper’s Hawks specialize in eating medium-sized birds. The males must be submissive to the female and wait for reassuring call notes the females make when they’re willing to be approached. Otherwise, they could wind up as dinner for the female!2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
10 Mar 23
@rebelann Thanks for that additional information, Rebel 
Very interesting! I noticed that other birds return to the same nest each year too. I have a friend who has a web cam showing Osprey who return each year.
Very interesting! I noticed that other birds return to the same nest each year too. I have a friend who has a web cam showing Osprey who return each year.1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (472114)
• Switzerland
5 Mar 23
I know that this is nature but I hate to see this. A small falcon tried to get a dove that was eating seeds from my birds feeder. I went outside to save the dove (I succeeded), but the falcon tried to attack me. I am glad I could rush inside.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (472114)
• Switzerland
8 Mar 23
@dgobucks226 - I thought the Falcon would have not dared to attack a human, but it is true that they also attack pretty big animals and I am a small human.
There are several large carnivore birds in this area, that kill other birds and small animals. The most common are griffons and magpies, I have several magpies visiting my garden. As they kill snakes and mice I let them come.
There are several large carnivore birds in this area, that kill other birds and small animals. The most common are griffons and magpies, I have several magpies visiting my garden. As they kill snakes and mice I let them come.2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
Wow! You would think the Falcon would have been scared of you. Glad you succeeded. I have many doves come to my feeder and they are such docile birds.
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than humans.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.
Cooper Males are significantly smaller than their mates. The danger is that female Cooper’s Hawks specialize in eating medium-sized birds. The males must be submissive to the female and wait for reassuring call notes the females make when they’re willing to be approached.
Otherwise, they could wind up as dinner for the female!
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than humans.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.
Cooper Males are significantly smaller than their mates. The danger is that female Cooper’s Hawks specialize in eating medium-sized birds. The males must be submissive to the female and wait for reassuring call notes the females make when they’re willing to be approached.
Otherwise, they could wind up as dinner for the female! 1 person likes this
Those magpies earn their keep 
@JudyEv (342105)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Mar 23
@dgobucks226 Thanks for the extra information. Our wedge-tailed eagles are now protected but there was once a bounty on them.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
10 Mar 23
@JudyEv Our Bald Eagles have been removed from the endangered species list. A great success story!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
Yes, what an action shot that was... I did not feel bad for the squirrel as they are always mooching food from the birds. They should stick to nuts 
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than humans.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than humans.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.2 people like this
@LindaOHio (181748)
• United States
6 Mar 23
I know animals gotta eat; but I hate to see it. I used to worry when my Pomeranians were outside.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (181748)
• United States
8 Mar 23
@dgobucks226 Thanks for the cool facts!!!
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
It's a jungle out there for all species. In the animal kingdom and birds as well, it is the destiny of the weak to be devoured by the strong.
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than the humans.
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than the humans.2 people like this
@snowy22315 (182193)
• United States
5 Mar 23
I haven't, but I did see a hawk catching a squirrel once. One picked up a kitten, it was on the news but people saw it, and made the hawk drop it.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
Unusual as hawks usually prey on small/medium sized birds, but it can happen. Cooper's Hawks eat smaller birds, but also feed on mammals, particularly squirrels and chipmunks. Maybe the hawk thought it was a squirrel.
Thanks for sharing!
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles mate for life. They are one of the largest birds of prey.
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.
1 person likes this
@jerzgirl (9327)
• United States
5 Mar 23
I never knew eagles would grab seagulls. Wow! But, I like that the other gull was willing to try to save his friend. Yes, it's nature, but it hurts to see. And, we don't dare stop it (overall) or we end up losing nature entirely, which would so upset the eco-balance it would bring harm to humans, too.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
Yes, correct. The balance of nature for sure! That was surprising to see the other gull attack a bird so much larger than itself. Although, I think I agree with the theory that in the battle for survival, it's not always the strongest who win, but those who use their intelligence and cunning to adapt to their environment. By using these skills correctly, they increase their survivability.
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles mate for life. They are one of the largest birds of prey.
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than humans.
Cooper Males are significantly smaller than their mates. The danger is that female Cooper’s Hawks specialize in eating medium-sized birds. The males must be submissive to the female and wait for reassuring call notes the females make when they’re willing to be approached. Otherwise, they could wind up as dinner for the female!
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168269)
• Boise, Idaho
5 Mar 23
We have even had a hawk here trying to get one of our cats. He didn't come back again after we showed him just how much we disapproved.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
Yes, they can be frightened off as I've done when I see them around my backyard. I have seen one after he had killed a dove in my yard. Nothing left but feathers!
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than humans.
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than humans.
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.2 people like this
@Jenaisle (14078)
• Philippines
8 Mar 23
@dgobucks226 Wow, you're so knowledgeable. Yes, the smartest would survive more than the strongest.
Now, I'm scared of eagles. I thought crows were scarier.
Thanks for all this significant information.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
@Jenaisle Anytime! Crows are very intelligent birds and recognize people they have seen...
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
Very true about food and survival. Survivors aren't always the strongest; sometimes they're the smartest. In man's case he has used his intellect to conquer animal species much stronger for food.
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than humans.
Cooper's Hawks eat smaller birds, but also feed on mammals, particularly squirrels and chipmunks.
Eagles mate for life. They are one of the largest birds of prey.
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (90473)
• Arvada, Colorado
5 Mar 23
I have not seen any of it that I recall. That photo is amazing DB.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
Yes, unbelievable shot! Surprised the other gull attacked the Eagle who is one of the largest birds of prey!
Maybe it was the gull's mate.
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than humans.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
Yes, he took his eyes off the hawk in the tree and was watching the birds eating. Instead of dinner for the squirrel that rodent became the dinner 
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles mate for life. They are one of the largest birds of prey.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles mate for life. They are one of the largest birds of prey.
A Cooper's Hawk captures a bird with its feet and kills it by repeated squeezing.1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (55162)
•
5 Mar 23
I think about that it seems like every living thing has some kind of predator who will be sizing it up for breakfast , lunch or dinner, whether it lives in water, land or air. One day l was looking at a fly on the mesh outside my window. Before it could fly off , a lizard appeared from nowhere and snapped it up.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
A very perceptive observation Kandase and so true. Almost all species has some other predator who is it's Achilles heel. It helps keep nature in balance. Thankfully our intelligence and adaptability keep us at the top of the food chain.
Thanks for your comment!
Fun bird facts: Did you know that...
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles mate for life. They are one of the largest birds of prey.
Cooper Males are significantly smaller than their mates. The danger is that female Cooper’s Hawks specialize in eating medium-sized birds. The males must be submissive to the female and wait for reassuring call notes the females make when they’re willing to be approached.
Otherwise, they could wind up as dinner for the female!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
Yes, I was surprised the other gull attacked the Eagle. Eagles are much larger! Maybe it was the gull's mate.
Fun Bird Facts: Did you know...
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than humans.
Cooper's Hawks eat smaller birds, but also feed on mammals, particularly squirrels and chipmunks.
1 person likes this
@popciclecold (39512)
• United States
8 Mar 23
Sure would hate to see that in real life.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
8 Mar 23
An OMG moment for sure Eagles are one of the largest birds of prey. So, the gull didn't have a chance stopping the Eagle to help his poor friend
Fun bird facts:
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than humans.
Eagles are one of the largest birds of prey. So, the gull didn't have a chance stopping the Eagle to help his poor friend
Fun bird facts:
Eagles can fly as high as 15,000 feet. They are carnivorous feeding on meat.
Eagles can detect prey up to 2 miles away. Their eyesight is 5 times better than humans.1 person likes this
