Outdoor Ontario

Discussion => Behaviour => Topic started by: bronco on March 12, 2013, 07:12:22 AM

Title: Hiding Out!
Post by: bronco on March 12, 2013, 07:12:22 AM

This fellow was busy feeding at the suet when he darted up under a branch and stayed there for five minutes or more -- then hunkered down on top of it for a for another period of time. Something I could not see was on the prowl (wing) looking for lunch!
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s539/bronco1941/Downey-2013-01-06-2404hdra_zps9c91bef6.jpg)
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s539/bronco1941/Downey-2013-01-06-2412hdra_zps5c5efa98.jpg)

Title: Re: Hiding Out!
Post by: Napper on March 30, 2013, 10:32:44 PM

Hey :!:
I have witnessed similar behaviour by Downy's in our backyard
during an attack/flyby from a Coopers Hawk.

The Downy will move/hide under a branch and freeze without moving until
the threat has moved on. Other birds use similar tactics and generally
"Hunker down" stay silent.


Mourning Doves aren't so lucky, they are the target of choice for Coopers "in my area".
I've watched a Coopers hawk enter the middle of a spruce tree
and come out the bottom with a puff of feathers and a
Dove.

napper

Title: Re: Hiding Out!
Post by: bronco on March 31, 2013, 05:51:03 AM

Thanks Napper - I have seen & photographed a Coopers near my house, so when I see this behavior again I'll have to study the tree tops more closely.