[Tweeters] Raptors at play -Falconer/Raptor Breeders Viewpoint

[Dennis Paulson]

And I will add that we have frequently seen Sharp-shinned Hawks and crows doing the same sorts of things, diving on each other and then reversing. That’s how I knew Sharp-shins were declining in the area, because we used to see that (we would always hear the crow racket first) every winter but haven’t for maybe five years now.

Dennis Paulson
Maple Leaf, Seattle


> On Sep 11, 2023, at 10:33 AM, Dianna Moore <osdlm1945 at gmail.com> wrote:

> 

> I very much enjoyed this post as it demonstrated to me a behavior I have observed in my own yard in Ocean Shores. We have some very large crows out here and I have seen them interacting with a local Cooper's (or maybe more than one) several times. It struck me as play, with one bird chasing another then reversing the role. I never saw aggressive behavior during those incidents. This interaction was the first time I had seen the behavior, and this post is the first time I have seen anyone else mention it.

> Thanks for sharing and enlightening me!

> Dianna Moore

> Ocean Shores

> 

> On Sun, Sep 10, 2023 at 11:58 PM Mark Borden <markbordenmd at gmail.com <mailto:markbordenmd at gmail.com>> wrote:

> Hello from Whidbey Tweeters,

> 

> For the last 17 years I have witnessed (almost every year) a passage (imm.) female Coopers Hawk playing with the flock of crows on the eastern fence of our horse pasture.  The coops will take turns chasing the crows, then being chased by them. It is always an immature coopers, and always a female.  I have many videos of this behavior if anyone is interested.

> 

> Three years ago I witnessed a daily play session involving a Merlin falcon, a male kestrel, and an immature female Sharp Shinned Hawk.  I watched in awe for about 30 minutes the first time before remembering to video record, but then got some good “footage.” I was a bit concerned that the kestrel might be in danger initially, as it was just the Kestrel and sharpie, but then the Merlin (in a tree all along) joined in. 

> 

> I have raised (from young Downey stage) Coopers and Goshawks, and as big downies and branchers both species are more playful (video available on request) than either young peregrines or Prairie Falcons. Gyrfalcons are more playful than either of those falcon species. I cannot speak on Merlins, never having raised an eyass Merlin. 

> 

> The Peregrine/Prairie hybrids I have raised seemed more playful than either of their parents, but there is substantial variation between hybrids (as with mules).

> 

> As a falconer I treasure the inter species interaction, as it shows me what the birds are capable of, and makes comparisons otherwise unavailable, possible. 

> 

> Mark Borden MD

> Coupeville, WA.

> 360-632-7484

> 

> Sent from my iPhone

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