Mockingbird chasing Hawk

While I was walking this evening this red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) was making quite a commotion. He was being pursued by a vicious little mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos; see below).



ABOVE: I thought this was an interesting photo. The tree branches look like a pattern on the hawk.



ABOVE: The mockingbird chasing the hawk. The white on the wings of the much smaller bird indicate it is a mockingbird. While foraging the mockingbird will frequently spread its wings in a two-step motion displaying the white patches characteristic of this bird. They are know for their loud territorial defense. This is the state bird of Florida.



ABOVE: Nearby sat a couple of Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus). . . apparently unimpressed with the scene.



ABOVE: The Halloween display is now up. For more photos go to Phillip's Natural World. . . the other photos