I'm not a biologist, but some biological terms are a treat, and I think is an example of kleptoparasitism, one of my favorites.
Marty From: bounce-75470209-3494...@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-75470209-3494...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Kevin J. McGowan Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2013 4:06 PM To: Susan Fast; CAYUGABIRDS-L Subject: RE: [cayugabirds-l] R.t. hawk = 1; Crow = 0 That's what happens when you're only a predator-wannabe. Crows just don't have the tools to kill things efficiently (or fight for their dinner!). Kevin From: bounce-75470159-3493...@list.cornell.edu<mailto:bounce-75470159-3493...@list.cornell.edu> [mailto:bounce-75470159-3493...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Susan Fast Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2013 3:57 PM To: CAYUGABIRDS-L Subject: [cayugabirds-l] R.t. hawk = 1; Crow = 0 Susie & I just watched a drama in the field across from the house. An AMER. CROW found somehow (prob. sound) a Microtus (vole) nest under the snow. Crow ripped it out and threw it on the crusty snow. The vole took off. Crow stabbed it several times. Vole refound nest and hid under it. Crow flipped nest away and confronted vole. Vole did its best, leaping at the crow, teeth bared, crow nimbly dodging. Crow whacked it again several times. Vole succumbed. Crow eyed meal, then suddenly flew off P.D.Q.. We thought : wtf! as a RED-TAILED HAWK blasted in, talons bared, snatched dead vole and exited scene. Crow returned, tore up grass nest in frustration, then took off. S. & S. Fast Brooktondale -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics<http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME> Rules and Information<http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave<http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm> Archives: The Mail Archive<http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html> Surfbirds<http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds> BirdingOnThe.Net<http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html> Please submit your observations to eBird<http://ebird.org/content/ebird/>! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics<http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME> Rules and Information<http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave<http://www.northeastbirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm> Archives: The Mail Archive<http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html> Surfbirds<http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds> BirdingOnThe.Net<http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html> Please submit your observations to eBird<http://ebird.org/content/ebird/>! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
