Field notes: Catalogue, journal, and species accounts, v507
Page 645
Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Transcription
Buteo borealis jamaicensis 1960 Oct. 26 E side Isla Cerralvo, Baja Calif. Mexicos - In the morning saw one circling high over the upper reaches of our camp arroyo. Later in the day the species was seen several times nearer the coast, once being chased by a spanow hawk. Oct. 28 At least 2 individuals seen today, one normal appearing one and one very dark phase bird. Oct. 29 Heard one calling near the head of the arroyo in the morning. Shortly after noon, saw Ravens attacking the dark phase bird. There were 2 ravens, but only one was involved in the actual harrying, which lasted for several minutes. The raven usually stayed above the hawk, made repeated attacks, & sometimes the birds brushed wing tips, all to that seemed to be as close as they got. The hawk soared on, occasionally beating its wings as if either to get away or to strike back. The raven heard was croaking every time it dived at the hawk. The other raven didn't attack, but followed along a good distance away. Nearby vultures didn't seem at all concerned, & were not attacked.