Hawk Attacked Sand Cranes
 

We were in the Mangrove golf course parking lot, admiring two adult and one baby Sand Crane strolling through the The landscaping. Suddenly a LARGE hawk flew from nowhere, right into the Cranes' "air space" . The hawk's talons were extended and all birds were loudly squawking and screeching. For good measure a crow or starling attacked the hawk. People ran from everywhere in an attempt to save the baby Crane. Eventually the Hawk settled on a roof, while the Cranes walked beneath some trees.

Wow! I love to see hawks hunting, but not baby cranes!

Both are protected species. I would advise one not to interfere with the circle of life.

In Kentucky, Sandhill Cranes are called rib eye of the sky.

I seem to remember hearing they are hunted in Texas.

It's called the food chain. Part of nature. To be expected. I'm not surprised the young ones are food for hawks, coyotes and gators.

Mother nature at work

If there was only one baby, it is likely the hawk was coming back for seconds.

I am too tender hearted, and it was very upsetting to observe the dive bombing hawk and frantic parent cranes. The tenacity of the hawk was tremendous, even though the crow was attacking HIM, he never let up. The noise was deafening between the cranes squawks, screeches and beak rattling, and the hawks whistles. The cranes even stopped traffic on Hendry as they attempted to get away. Crazy scene, birds, cars, people and high anxiety

You're not too tender hearted. It would have upset me too. Mother Nature is cruel but predators gotta eat.

Yes, the food chain, sigh ������

Well, the hawk may have missed lunch, but he didn't lose his life like the baby crane could've!