The chick was pulled from its nest and brutally hunted by the hawk, in a sighting where one was forced to look away for a moment as the action unfolded.
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Through the sighting, Juan and his wife were reminded how birds of prey are perfectly adapted to sense, capture, and tear apart their prey.
Hawk Disturbs Peaceful River Setting
Juan explains that he and his wife had been on holiday in Kruger National Park when his wife filmed the incredible sighting. They were sitting at a place called Sunset Dam, just outside Lower Sabie, when the unexpected happened.
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Southern masked weavers have been called colonial nesters. The term ‘colonial’ is used to describe the way they build their nests alongside one another.
Looking up into the treetops where they have established such nest colonies is an impressive sight. The nests are masterfully created and woven in such a way that they hang from the branches.
Watching the birds flitter and build their nests provides for peaceful view. However, Juan describes how an African Harrier Hawk’s sudden appearance shook the tranquility of the setting.
This bird is a medium-sized raptor, about 60 cm to 66 cm in length.
Weavers are committed to their nest-building and their colony. One way the birds keep their chicks safe is to weave nests on branches overhanging the water. This way, snakes and other predators are less likely to enter their nests.
However, this colony of weavers didn’t anticipate the hawk’s stop in search of food.
Hawk Strips Twigs Away In Search Of Food
The hawk didn’t have any trouble getting close to the nests, leaving the weavers little chance of defending themselves.
The large bird clearly knew what it was after as it approached the nests. Focused on one nest, it started to pull twigs out.
Weaver chicks are usually well-surrounded by the twigs of the nest, with a circular opening at one side of the nest. However, this hawk tore right through the walls of one of the nests, exposing a baby bird, which could be seen flapping its tiny wings.
The bird of prey pulled the little one out of its nest and settled it on a nearby branch.
The moment was tragic and drew strong emotions from the spectators. However, the majesty of the bird of prey was glorious, as it perched on the branch with a regal presence.
A Tragic Moment As Chick Succumbs To Brutal Attack
Nature can provoke raw emotions, and in this heartbreaking moment, the hawk pulled the chick apart. It first pulled its feathers out with its sharp beak, and then fed on its flesh.
Its mighty beak effortlessly pulled the bird’s head from its body in a shocking moment. The weaver colony was left in turmoil by the bird of prey, however, nature’s beauty and power remained untarnished in this moment.
The hawk swallowed the head of the baby bird before feasting on the rest of it.