Trust me: DON'T READ THIS if you're squeemish about life and death events. When I saw it happen, I almost cried.

Imagine my dilemma. A witness to something I would never want to see. But so captivated by it, I couldn't take my eyes off what was unfolding before me. There, in my cul-de-sac - not more than 10 feet in front of me - a very proud Cooper's Hawk lauded his power over a hapless (and live) male House Finch, plucking its feathers and tossing him about, as though he was not hungry but brutally taunting the poor thing. The hawk appeared to be amused by his capture and would toss it into the air, giving it a fleeting notion that he was free to fly away. Finding itself tossed into the air, the finch would struggle to fly and the hawk would give chase, knocking the finch to the ground again...and again...and again. Just like a cat, loving the chase almost as much as the kill. I wondered what this was about, why so cruel a process of killing? And how - and when - would this end? I debated many times whether to put a stop to it but knew it was hopeless. The finch kept up a good fight, but his attacker had disabled at least one leg, and one wing was clearly broken. It would lay there on the dark asphalt, mouth open, struggling, not wanting to give up, and singing (not scolding but singing) to his attacker! Or perhaps he was singing to his allies to rescue him. Other finches were nearby, calling back, but made no visible effort to stop the event. Several of the local Blue Jays flew in but settled far away from the hawk. Regardless of their concern, this hawk had earned respect. Eventually the finch's calls became softer, even sweeter, as feathers were repeatedly ripped from its body. I had about reached my limit when the hawk grabbed its victim with his talons and carried it off to finish the job in privacy, this time with his back toward me. I couldn't help but wonder if this was the same hawk that gave me such joy when it landed on my deck last week, in search of something that had gone beneath. And I wonder if I contribute in some way as I fatten up his prey with sunflower seeds and other delightful niblets. On the one hand ... and then on the other. Well, the sunflower seeds will remain and life will go on, and I will remain an advocate for ALL our feathered friends for it is the predator that gives the prey their strength and beauty!

Patty McLean Tucker GA (DeKalb County)

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