Dog for dinner...

[AudiTech]

On Sunday I was sitting on the couch watching the NFL championship games enjoying my awesome view out of both of the windows that surround the TV/fireplace....

When I saw what was either a huge bird or a small plane came past the window, it peeked my interest and I went to go check it out. I went out onto the deck and there was a massive hawk circling around in the sky and then just dive bombed down and a took a run at the neighbors chihuahua. Luckily for the dog the Hawk came up empty handed. I grabbed my camera and kinda kept an eye out for if it came back. About 20 minutes later it did.

The dog was in the yard barking at a runner out on the trail, he had no idea the hawk was directly above him stalking him from on the roof.

The span of it's talons were as wide as the downspout. It was pretty intense watching it unfold waiting to see what was going to happen. In the end the Hawk took off, circled for a bit, and then just went back to a tree in the open space. The dog did not end up being dinner.... yet.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

Looks like the hawk was in the mood for mexican... An owl swooped low over our pool and almost snatched our little dingo a few years back. We still have to keep a close eye on her after dusk cause our area is thick with barn owls and Great Horned owls which are huge! Great pics btw.

 

[RandyDaytona]

He must have been pretty hungry to go after something as big as a dog. Rabbits are the most common prey for most raptors, along with mice, voles and smaller rodents.

Unfortunately, "wild" animals are becoming less wary of human activity for various reasons, such as the habit of birdwatchers to bait (aka feed) raptors in order to get photos. Huge problem with that in the Midwest, anyway.

 

[jcoleman]

Cool pics!

Call me crazy, but I think I might have gone and gave the neighbor a "heads up" that their pet was in danger of becoming hawk-bait.

 

[AudiTech]

Cool pics!

Call me crazy, but I think I might have gone and gave the neighbor a "heads up" that their pet was in danger of becoming hawk-bait.

If it was an isolated thing I would have. The town has been very vocal about not letting small pets outside alone or off leash, especially lately. Typically that's because of coyotes though. It's there mating season and they get territorial, in the past couple weeks there have been multiple instances of coyotes being aggressive towards runners with their dogs on the trail out back. The coyotes live throughout the open space areas, our properties have a waist high pretty open fence separating our yards from the open space.... if they aren't be cautious already it's on them.

 

[jcoleman]

If it was an isolated thing I would have. The town has been very vocal about not letting small pets outside alone or off leash, especially lately. Typically that's because of coyotes though. It's there mating season and they get territorial, in the past couple weeks there have been multiple instances of coyotes being aggressive towards runners with their dogs on the trail out back. The coyotes live throughout the open space areas, our properties have a waist high pretty open fence separating our yards from the open space.... if they aren't be cautious already it's on them.

Damn shame for the clueless domesticated animal that its owners don't appear to care then.
At the risk of sounding judgemental, I still would have taken steps to prevent the imminent snackification of Fido.

 

[MtnT4R]

If it was an isolated thing I would have. The town has been very vocal about not letting small pets outside alone or off leash, especially lately. Typically that's because of coyotes though. It's there mating season and they get territorial, in the past couple weeks there have been multiple instances of coyotes being aggressive towards runners with their dogs on the trail out back. The coyotes live throughout the open space areas, our properties have a waist high pretty open fence separating our yards from the open space.... if they aren't be cautious already it's on them.

I couldn't agree more. People really need to become more cognizant of the wildlife and their territory that we are encroaching on. I read quite a bit about issues up here with all sorts of animals; its a travesty that bears and other animals have to be put down because some tenant or homeowner is too lazy to secure their trash or animals. Its way beyond time for people to start being more responsible.

Pretty neat photos you got there. Those are some impressive predators.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

Cool pics!

Call me crazy, but I think I might have gone and gave the neighbor a "heads up" that their pet was in danger of becoming hawk-bait.

Idk, have u heard those little ankle biters yap!? Our neighbors Jack Russel used to bark incessantly. Thankfully the local coyotes put an end to his reign of terror! I always laugh a bit at the lost dog and cat posters in our neighborhood. News flash: they ain't lost!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I would not consider a furry football as a "dog." A canine shaped rodent sounds more accurate or hawk food.

 

[jcoleman]

Can't say I care too much for dogs of the small, yappy variety either, but I'd hate to think of someone's little kid bawling about their beloved pet's disappearance (despite it's rodent-like qualities).:biggrin2: