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:: Friday, November 19, 2004 ::
Humans Aren't The Only Species To Hunt Recreationally
Apparently, there's a red-tailed hawk in town that likes to kill pidgeons.
What appears to be a red-tailed hawk that likes to hunt pigeons – but doesn't always eat them – has deposited several victims in downtown Champaign parking lots for the past week.
A favorite perch is the northwest corner of the five-story One Main Building.
One Main's Cynthia Faullin, who is selling and leasing out its condos, thinks Hawky is an "awesome" new resident.
"The more pigeons he kills, the better, as far as I can see," she said Thursday. "It's neat that we've got a little stowaway. I saw him perched on a chimney and the first thing I thought, pigeons better watch out!"
Some join the hawk in considering pigeon a delicacy; others consider them "rats with wings." One thing is certain: The hawk likes to kill them.
The parking lot immediately north of The News-Gazette at 15 Main has had several pigeon corpses gracing it in the last few days, all looking untouched by the raptor.
Steve Amundsen, a scientist with the Illinois Natural History Survey, says it's not surprising that the hawk leaves its prey uneaten ... for now.
"It's saving them for later, for a more suitable time to dine," he said.
:: The Squire 3:43 PM :: email this post :: ::
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