A couple of weeks ago, we were coming home from the store and we saw a large bird on a distant lamppost. We turned right and drove towards the bird. At first we thought it might be a vulture–the light was not good as we were driving towards the sun and we could not see details. However, as we drove closer, the bird shifted its stance and it displayed a classic hawk perching pose.
We drove past and made a u-turn stopping near the lamppost. The hawk stood quietly for a few moments and then proceeded to ignore us. Then, the bird put its head down and started the unmistakable pecking action that indicates feeding. The following images show the hawk eating its way through its meal–most likely a dove.
In the second picture, the hawk has closed its third eyelid, also known as the nictitating membrane, on its left eye. The nictitating membrane exists to protect and moisten the eye while still allowing the bird to see. It appears to be devouring the wing of the bird.
Interestingly, while in the middle of finishing this bird, the hawk diverted its attention to something else lurking in the grass in the field below. In one fluid motion, the hawk left its perch, swooped down, and attacked yet another bird, which flew away. The last picture shows the hawk leaving the field and returning to its perch on the lamppost.