Hawk.....

First some good news....we got a little rain last night!  It thundered and poured for at least 10-15 minutes.  Then another short burst came along a little later.  It was too late for the amount to be listed in the paper, so I don't know how much, but it was sure welcome!  If it would do that a few more times, it would make a big difference to our dryness....and the crops.

Just as the sun was going down, I happened to look out the front door and there was a hawk busy picking apart a bird it had killed right by my front walk!  

I backed off to show how small the hawk is.  If you are familiar with Sedum plants at all, you can see how he compares to the ones on the right.  I know it is either Cooper's or Sharp-shinned, but I'm not good at telling which is which.  

 It is a juvenile.  Had at least one messed up feather on the wing on this side.

 It seemed to be aware that I was on the other side of the window taking photos, but wanted its prey too much to leave until the last bit was eaten.  What surprised me, was that other birds began eating from the food on the driveway and a Downy landed on the suet almost over his head while he was there!  I guess they figured he already had a meal so they were safe!

 I won't show a lot of gory photos of it picking the poor bird to pieces.  I was just excited to see it this closely.  I had suspected there were hawks around, but seldom catch a glimpse of one.

Yep....he knows I'm there!

He finally flew away when something spooked him, but by then he had eaten most of it.  I think he took the remains with him because I just found feathers.