All of the characters in this story are extremely tenacious. The snake, the hawk, and the woman. I don't know who to root for. I'm surprised the hawk went after a human to get the snake back, but...
All of the characters in this story are extremely tenacious. The snake, the hawk, and the woman. I don't know who to root for. I'm surprised the hawk went after a human to get the snake back, but I'm guessing the drought has made food scarce. I've had a few snake drops in my yard, but I never imagined it could 1) land directly on me, and 2) not be the most alarming thing to happen that day, or even that minute. I hope someone offers her some designer glasses with a snake and hawk theme.
As a person who's trapped and trained wild hawks (redtails, Cooper's, merlin) as well as worked with a variety of captive bred raptors, I'm (edit: and all my fellow falconers) very skeptical that...
As a person who's trapped and trained wild hawks (redtails, Cooper's, merlin) as well as worked with a variety of captive bred raptors, I'm (edit: and all my fellow falconers) very skeptical that this is what really happened. Hawks are pretty wary of humans and are just super unlikely to latch onto one in pursuit of a snake. The injury (there are photos around if not in the article) is weirdly evenly red and stops in a cleanly straight line around the wrist. Hawks puncture, they don't give rope burns, and frankly snakes don't give rope burns either.
Hmmm. I haven't seen the pictures, and I'm no expert, but based off of what you're saying, it does sound suspect. I know from friends who work in social services and hospitals that people will...
Hmmm. I haven't seen the pictures, and I'm no expert, but based off of what you're saying, it does sound suspect. I know from friends who work in social services and hospitals that people will make up some crazy stories to cover for their own ineptitude or, sadly, a partner's domestic abuse. That may not be the case here, but it does give pause.
If it is a lie to cover for something else, what bad luck for that lie to get picked up by international news.
People believe hawks weigh 50 pounds and tackle large dogs regularly, so being attacked by a snake and a hawk is a great story to tell and most won't question it.
People believe hawks weigh 50 pounds and tackle large dogs regularly, so being attacked by a snake and a hawk is a great story to tell and most won't question it.
They found what they think is venom on her glasses! Seems like the snake was trying to get her but the glasses got in the way. This is absolutely horrible luck, followed by a remarkable amount of...
They found what they think is venom on her glasses! Seems like the snake was trying to get her but the glasses got in the way. This is absolutely horrible luck, followed by a remarkable amount of good luck given the circumstances
I'm always in two minds about this. I usually err on your side to play but I know there's someone who is going to say/think "but isn't the luck used up?".
should play the lottery!
I'm always in two minds about this. I usually err on your side to play but I know there's someone who is going to say/think "but isn't the luck used up?".
Er... you're not looking for these sorts of encounters are you? Sorry it was just the way that was written made it sound like a competition or something. :)
Er... you're not looking for these sorts of encounters are you?
Sorry it was just the way that was written made it sound like a competition or something. :)
Actually I am. Many of the most meaningful experiences of my life involve animals. I draw the line though at risking Giardia by swimming in a pond full of beaver turds. Around the farm we are...
Actually I am. Many of the most meaningful experiences of my life involve animals. I draw the line though at risking Giardia by swimming in a pond full of beaver turds. Around the farm we are debating if we want to try to draw in the fox we’re seeing around. My wife reminds me that it csn’t be that cool, it only has one tail (not nine.)
Awesome stuff. I've had a lot of interaction with a lot of different animals and there is nothing like it. Unfortunately that is in the past now and our hamster and other peoples dogs and cats are...
Awesome stuff.
I've had a lot of interaction with a lot of different animals and there is nothing like it. Unfortunately that is in the past now and our hamster and other peoples dogs and cats are the interactions we have now.
I have a question! Why do Americans call all raptors hawks? Hawks are a particular type of raptor. There's falcons, buzzards, eagles, kites, etc. None of those are hawks.
I have a question! Why do Americans call all raptors hawks? Hawks are a particular type of raptor. There's falcons, buzzards, eagles, kites, etc. None of those are hawks.
I'd wager most people (American or otherwise) are not educated or experienced enough in identifying bird species to be able to easily identify what type of raptor they're encountering....
I'd wager most people (American or otherwise) are not educated or experienced enough in identifying bird species to be able to easily identify what type of raptor they're encountering. Particularly given that most encounters with them are fleeting or at a distance. So unless they see a species that is very easily identifiable, like a bald eagle, they pick the term they're most familiar with hearing using for birds that look like that, which for a lot of Americans is "hawk".
I'd be curious about what prompted this question as mislabelling similar birds is not a uniquely American phenomenon. We have eight species of hawks at least, and they seem to be the most...
I'd be curious about what prompted this question as mislabelling similar birds is not a uniquely American phenomenon.
We have eight species of hawks at least, and they seem to be the most prevalent raptor. I've probably seen three falcons in my life, but seen many red tail/shoulder hawks and a few gold eagles in more remote/rural high altitude regions, but hawks, generally, seem to have the most spread. If I go for a hike and see a raptor with a feathered head, it's most likely a hawk unless it is remarkably big or small.
For all the other birds, it's pretty simple: Kites live near water and generally eat insects, vultures eat carrion and have bald heads and distinctive wings, owls are obviously owls, and what some here call buzzards are vultures, completely unrelated to old world buzzards and vultures.
If there is a thing where Americans call raptors hawks it's probably because it's what we're most used to.
All of the characters in this story are extremely tenacious. The snake, the hawk, and the woman. I don't know who to root for. I'm surprised the hawk went after a human to get the snake back, but I'm guessing the drought has made food scarce. I've had a few snake drops in my yard, but I never imagined it could 1) land directly on me, and 2) not be the most alarming thing to happen that day, or even that minute. I hope someone offers her some designer glasses with a snake and hawk theme.
They would be the most bossing glasses! :)
As a person who's trapped and trained wild hawks (redtails, Cooper's, merlin) as well as worked with a variety of captive bred raptors, I'm (edit: and all my fellow falconers) very skeptical that this is what really happened. Hawks are pretty wary of humans and are just super unlikely to latch onto one in pursuit of a snake. The injury (there are photos around if not in the article) is weirdly evenly red and stops in a cleanly straight line around the wrist. Hawks puncture, they don't give rope burns, and frankly snakes don't give rope burns either.
Hmmm. I haven't seen the pictures, and I'm no expert, but based off of what you're saying, it does sound suspect. I know from friends who work in social services and hospitals that people will make up some crazy stories to cover for their own ineptitude or, sadly, a partner's domestic abuse. That may not be the case here, but it does give pause.
If it is a lie to cover for something else, what bad luck for that lie to get picked up by international news.
People believe hawks weigh 50 pounds and tackle large dogs regularly, so being attacked by a snake and a hawk is a great story to tell and most won't question it.
Interesting stuff. Thanks.
That is absolutely horrible luck.
I was worried it was a venomous snake, turns out the hawk really tore her arm up.
They found what they think is venom on her glasses! Seems like the snake was trying to get her but the glasses got in the way. This is absolutely horrible luck, followed by a remarkable amount of good luck given the circumstances
Absolutely.
There must have been a point in the encounter when she thought this just can't be real.
My goodness! At least her lawn mower didn't explode!
She should play the lottery!
I'm always in two minds about this. I usually err on your side to play but I know there's someone who is going to say/think "but isn't the luck used up?".
There is nothing I can add to this!
… and I’ve only been pissed on by a raccoon.
Er... you're not looking for these sorts of encounters are you?
Sorry it was just the way that was written made it sound like a competition or something. :)
Actually I am. Many of the most meaningful experiences of my life involve animals. I draw the line though at risking Giardia by swimming in a pond full of beaver turds. Around the farm we are debating if we want to try to draw in the fox we’re seeing around. My wife reminds me that it csn’t be that cool, it only has one tail (not nine.)
Awesome stuff.
I've had a lot of interaction with a lot of different animals and there is nothing like it. Unfortunately that is in the past now and our hamster and other peoples dogs and cats are the interactions we have now.
I have a question! Why do Americans call all raptors hawks? Hawks are a particular type of raptor. There's falcons, buzzards, eagles, kites, etc. None of those are hawks.
Most people call animals whatever term they are most familiar with. Even if it's technically incorrect.
I'm not American so not the person to ask. Sorry.
Popular search engines will probably help though.
I'd wager most people (American or otherwise) are not educated or experienced enough in identifying bird species to be able to easily identify what type of raptor they're encountering. Particularly given that most encounters with them are fleeting or at a distance. So unless they see a species that is very easily identifiable, like a bald eagle, they pick the term they're most familiar with hearing using for birds that look like that, which for a lot of Americans is "hawk".
I'd be curious about what prompted this question as mislabelling similar birds is not a uniquely American phenomenon.
We have eight species of hawks at least, and they seem to be the most prevalent raptor. I've probably seen three falcons in my life, but seen many red tail/shoulder hawks and a few gold eagles in more remote/rural high altitude regions, but hawks, generally, seem to have the most spread. If I go for a hike and see a raptor with a feathered head, it's most likely a hawk unless it is remarkably big or small.
For all the other birds, it's pretty simple: Kites live near water and generally eat insects, vultures eat carrion and have bald heads and distinctive wings, owls are obviously owls, and what some here call buzzards are vultures, completely unrelated to old world buzzards and vultures.
If there is a thing where Americans call raptors hawks it's probably because it's what we're most used to.