On 03-26-12 approximately 1:40 P.M. this Journal reporter encountered an avian assault in progress at the Old Town Gazebo, near the corner of F and 2nd streets in Eureka. The victim, who is described as a chubby, partially beheaded pigeon, was alive but did not respond to the blank stares of numerous onlookers. Residents of the area say pigeon gangs are known to frequent the neighborhood.
When the reporter arrived at the scene, the victim was under attack from sharp talons and a hooked beak, likely belonging to the suspect, who is described as a juvenile raptor, possibly a Sharp-shinned or Cooper’s hawk, approximately 10 inches tall with light brown eyes and a hunter’s build.
Neighborhood residents have reportedly found several mutilated pigeon carcasses in the vicinity in recent weeks, suggesting that the suspect may be a serial killer. It is unknown at this time whether or not the assault was a hate crime.
The suspect was last seen disemboweling the victim on the cobblestone sidewalk. Residents are advised not to be overweight, bagel-eating pigeons.
This article appears in School Lunch 2.0.
that is so cool, now thats my kind of news. does that make the hawk a cannibal?
Nice pics! No point in taking him in, no prosecutors available in DA office now…
Hi Ryan,
This is actually a juvenile Cooper’s Hawk, not a Sharp-shinned. In the last photo of it perched on the fence you can see the rounded tail feathers, the pattern of streaking on the breast is more like a Cooper’s than a SSHA (more spotted on underparts). Also, even the largest female SSHA would not take large prey like a pigeon. Also note the stout legs on the bird, whereas SSHA has very thin, spindly-looking legs. Nice photos!!
Thanks, Rob! I’ll update the post.
Go Cooper’s Go! Get ’em!
Where’s the Peregrine?
Nice story and photos. Watching wildlife in action is one of life’s true pleasures, especially in an urban environment. San Francisco has had a pair of Peregrine Falcons nesting on top of a 30-story high-rise for many years – who are also partial to eating Rock Pigeons – and they always thrill whoever is lucky enough to see them in action. Here’s a link to a nest camera that is always a thrill to visit, especially after the eggs hatch in the next few days. http://www2.ucsc.edu/scpbrg/nestcamSF.htm
As for the species ID, even bird experts are often cautious about IDing Cooper’s vs. Sharp-shinned Hawks. After 15 years of casual bird-watching, whenever I’m lucky and see either one of these species zooming past I just call them “accips,” as in Accipiter cooperii or Accipiter striatus.
Hi Ryan,
I see you updated this post to say “possibly a Sharp-shinned or Cooper’s Hawk” after my post here. That’s great but I will say it again: this bird IS a COOPER’S HAWK for the aforementioned reasons. With such great photos you took of this bird it’s quite possible to id this bird to species and not just leave it as an “acciptiter sp.”
Thanks.
Your use of the word “accipiter” has convinced me of your expertise. I defer to your judgment, sir.