Sharp-shinned Hawk vs. American Crow: A Backyard Showdown in Gardiner, Washington

Welcome to the Aerial Drama!

Welcome to yet another series starring our wacky Sharp-shinned Hawks, this time in a showdown against the American Crows! We are thrilled that a murder of crows has suddenly moved in with us—maybe 25 or 30 of them. Our Sharp-shinned Hawks are equally excited to have fresh contestants in their air wars. The 20-plus Steller's Jays are also quite pleased. The crows seem to draw more fire from the hawks, taking some pressure off them, so they can get to the peanuts more easily.

Day 2: The Tables Turn

On Day 2 of our backyard drama, our sharp-shinned hawk decided to give the local American crows a taste of their own medicine! Usually, crows are the bullies, but today it’s the hawk doing the dive-bombing. Let the games begin!

Day 3: Go Big or Go Home!

Are the crows actually scared? Not really! While our sharp-shinned hawk is having fun dive-bombing, the crows are mostly playing it cool. They know he’s not a serious danger, but it sure makes for an exciting aerial show!

Day 4: Face-off in the Forest

From the hawk’s point of view, these crows are big, noisy neighbors. Sharpies usually hunt smaller birds, so this is just a bit of aerial fun. It’s all about territory and a little bit of bird-to-bird bravado!

Day 5: Sizing Up His Opponent

I love that head turn of the hawk! In the end, no harm is done. Sharp-shinned hawks rarely hurt crows—this was just a week of playful chases and a bit of bird-on-bird antics. Nature’s always full of surprises!

Day 6: Bank On It!

Did you know American crows are some of the smartest birds around? They can recognize faces, use tools, and even remember which hawks are threats. Our backyard crows are giving the sharpie a run for its money with their clever dodges!

Day 7: American Crows On Display

Here are our American Crows on display, relaxing and waiting for lunch. What a handsome bunch, huh? Seven out of ten!

Day 8: Coming Around Again

I hope you enjoyed my series on our pesky young Sharp-shinned Hawks going after our American Crows. No blood was spilled, and hopefully, the hawks learned a few moves they can use on the hunting grounds. Next up... Sharp-shinned Hawks vs. Pileated Woodpeckers, of all things! Follow along for some great images.

The Beauty of Nature

Nature is a playground filled with surprises. Each day brings a new adventure, and I can’t wait to share more with you. Whether it’s the sharp-shinned hawk’s daring dives or the clever antics of the crows, there’s always something to marvel at. Remember, capturing these moments is not just about photography; it’s about preserving the beauty of life around us.

So, grab your camera and get ready to explore! Let’s celebrate the wonders of our natural world together.

For more insights and updates, check out Keith's Frame of Mind where we aim to be the go-to place in the Pacific Northwest for capturing and preserving life's moments through photography, custom art, and unique handcrafted items. Let's inspire a love for nature and community!