And the Rabbit became a Red-tailed Hawk...

Our friend, Patty, sent us these shots of a Red-tailed Hawk feeding on a rabbit a few months ago. These pictures may be a bit disturbing for rabbit lovers. We occasionally hear from folks about how sad or horrified they are to find feathers or remains of a squirrel after a hawk has stalked their bird feeder.

And, I always find that interesting.


Because, I think one of the biggest reasons people feed birds (or rabbits or deer) is the pleasure of bringing nature a little closer to them.

It is difficult to understand why "nature" stops at the cute or non-threatening.


And, when we set up bird feeders or feeding stations for our pleasure, we are in essence, creating an artificial environment where large concentrations of prey gather and attract predators.


Predators.


In this case, birds of prey.


The big boys of backyard feeders who will gladly take an easy target from a feeder, but whose hunting also controls over population of rodents, and culls the weak, injured or diseased.


Natural selection at work in your backyard.

Enjoying Darwin Day and sending birthday wishes to my always evolving Mom!