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Aerial Battle of Red-Tailed Hawks, Buteo Borealis Calurns

Authors
Henry W. Marsden
Journal
Condor
Volume
7
Issue
2 (March-April)
Year
1905
Pages
53
Section
From Field and Study
Online Text

Aerial Battle of Red-tailed Hawks, Buteo borealis calurus

On December 5th, 1904, Rev. Thomas J. Wood of this place whilst feeding his chickens heard a loud, shrill sound overhead. On looking up he saw two large hawks fighting fiercely. Continuing to watch them he saw they were in some way fastened together and, going about in circles, were gradually nearing the ground. In a few minutes they dropped within a few feet of where he stood. As they struck the ground they become separated, but being somewhat exhausted from their struggle did not take immediate flight or attempt to until Mr. Wood started towards them when one started but was easily overtaken and fearlessly grasped by the neck by Mr. Wood who turning quickly, caught the other in a like manner. He brought and kindly presented them to me. They were the western red-tail (Buteo borealis calurus) in the intermediate plumage and both males. Their skins are now in my collection.

HENRY W. MARSDEN

Witch Creek, Cal.

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