Don't pick up a hitchhiker

[Loupey]

Or you might get your head pecked

A day in the life of a red-tailed hawk and a northern mockingbird or eastern king bird - tough to make out at this distance.

[Frog]

Well that's amazing! Was the hawk trying to figure out how to get dinner off his back?

[GB1]

That little bird is risking it's life. POing a big bird like that... whoa!

Good capture!

GB

[Frog]

I looked up a bit on it and I guess kingbirds frequently nest near hawk/falcons. They get protection..the hawk gets bugs eaten plus the kingbird is quite watchful. They've been seen riding for short distances though its rare.
Fuzzy or not, I'd hang on to that photo.....I couldn't find any others of it happening, Loupey

[Loupey]

Thanks, Frog and GB, for looking!

It’s quite common to see small birds harassing larger ones (hawks, crows, vultures, and herons) when they enter their territories. I’ve seen two and even three small birds ganging up on and driving away much larger birds.

Typically they just dive-bomb the larger birds. But this was the first time that I’ve seen one actually land on one and ride it – even if it was for only a second.

The images immediately before and after this shot can be seen in the following thread in the N/W forum:

http://forums.photographyreview.com/...316#post225316

Technically awful, but amusing

[GB1]

Very amazing u captured this and the other shots! I always get my camera out about 1 min too late

GB

[livin4lax09]

i think this is just hilarious. god that hawk must be pissed off.