Adult red-tailed hawk catches a rat in Tompkins Square

This is Christo, a wild adult red-tailed hawk (in summer molt). At the time this video was shot, he was about three years old. He lives in Tompkins Square Park where there is a lot of food: rats, pigeons, squirrels, mice and small birds. Christo prefers rats and this video shows him as he hunts for one.
The squirrels in the park are large, strong and fierce. They can defend themselves and often harass the hawks. Christo will go for small squirrels, but tends to avoid the larger ones, as shown in this video.
For those who have complained about the length, I have presented the video here in its entirety as it shows the hawk's complete hunting task. I was sitting on a bench when he landed on the fence a few seconds before the video starts. I stood some distance away to give him room to do his thing. We are fortunate and thrilled to have a wild hawk right here in our urban park.
A note about the squirrels - they are all Eastern Gray Squirrels, which come in different colors: gray, black, brown, orange and blonde. They are all the same species showing different fur color just as people have different hair color.
You can read more about the unique hawk-squirrel relationships in Tompkins Square Park here: www.gogginphotography.com/2020...
Tompkins Square Park
East Village, Manhattan, NYC
September 9, 2014
UPDATE - July 2022: Christo is still king of Tompkins Square Park and fledged three chicks with his mate, Amelia, this year. This brings him up to 23 offspring (plus one foster chick) since he began nesting in this neighborhood in 2014.

[@GogglaNYC]

Thank you, everyone, for all the positive comments! Update 11/2020: Christo the hawk is still hunting rats in this same spot in the park, six years later. He is with his second mate and has raised 18 chicks. He's a beloved fixture of the neighborhood. Please refer to the video description, which answers some questions about the squirrels. It has since been discovered that the black coat color is a trait passed on from red squirrels, who occasionally inter-breed with gray squirrels.

[@acephas3]

Thanks for the update!!!

[@superHane123]

Tanks for sharing. Quick question: Does the hawk ever hunt squirrels or is it just not interested at all? I see these guys in my backyard hunting squirrels often.

[@GogglaNYC]

@@superHane123 Hi Paul - the hawks definitely hunt squirrels, but in this park, the rats are much easier. The squirrels can get pretty big an are kind of badass! When the hawks catch one, they usually go for the smaller ones.

[@johndenicola6173]

Interesting post, well done... this RTH seems amazingly tame as compared to many that I’ve watched and/or photographed. Is he always that “docile?” I was wondering about why it wasn’t going after the squirrels for they generally do hunt them (as well as chipmunks, young rabbits, etc. but as you stated, the rats are easier prey, and raptors are definitely opportunists. I get a kick on Hawk/squirrel interactions, especially when a squirrel climbs a tree, then turns around a trunk to find a Hawk sitting there. I have shot many photos of feeding hawks (as well as falcons, eagles, etc), one of my favorites being a female red tailed feeding one of its fledgelings a chipmunk. Perhaps disturbing to some, but there was something about the “motherly” look she was giving her youngster.

[@debralavorata546]

I love a good brain! Thanks for the info,hawks are great birds of prey and beautiful too!

[@bobedigi]

You know its NY when the squirrel isn't afraid of the hawk.

[@aslmad1]

Why is that?

[@rebeccaheart]

@@aslmad1 cause everyone a gangsta

[@rubengonzalez750]

Or the hawk is just a whimp.....here in Los Angeles hawks will take your cats and small dogs if u don't watch them.

[@ckarodipolicethepolice2301]

BobE FPV you are a poet and didnt even know it.......😅

[@vtecnegro85]

@@rubengonzalez750 depending on where you live, that was a pretty big squirrel. A gang of them may run off the hawk.

[@simokojamesphiri7924]

This was clearly a hit job, the squirrels hired the hawk to wax the rat coz he was a loose end from a nut job. They couldn't take the risk of being ratted out.

[@newtaurus1]

So he needed some friggin muscle,

[@b0ajvk8]

Simoko James Phiri great comment. Lol.

[@MJbulls23airJs]

I see what you did there

[@raygv1]

One thing the hawk hates more than a dirty rat is a stool pigeon and this guy was both

[@kooskansloos4834]

Haha, damn, that was so funny

[@alkh3myst]

I love how he leaves the squirrels alone, and how they're aware of that.

[@ali3lia]

Yup, hawk has 🐀 in his talons, 🐿 looks over its shoulder: Ok then, phew.

[@artyzinn7725]

impressive, here Red tails attack doves, squirrels . chipmunks etc., , but rats there must be very plentiful and easier prey ..

[@user-xn2hf9re8r]

it's too big you idiot

[@jacobh9487]

Apparently rats taste better than squirrels to this metropolitan Hawk.

[@duellingscarguevara]

He knows which side of his rat is buttered?.

[@Ethan-jl1fj]

The eye contact with the squirrel at 3:10 had me DYING 😂😂😂😂

[@theotheseaeagle]

The buzzards just like “this could be you next”

[@jeffwhite4227]

Yes - like "Did you get that on camera, bro?"

[@MrBeast669]

ohhh...I was just about to say that...yeah that was intense

[@ericfaz1427]

"What you looing at?" "Nothing" and promptly gets out of eyesight. 😜😜

[@Nichejackers]

That Hawk was thinking ...Man that must be a bad ass squirrel, I'm just gonna get me a rat

[@JBurr33]

The hawk and the squirrels look like they have an understanding. Squirrel: I'll lure out the rats as long as you don't eat me. Hawk: deal.

[@alvindecker6641]

The same deal at my house . Squirrels everywhere but that big hawk just wants my chickens

[@alexanderm1026]

@@alvindecker6641 The Hawks at my place don't give a fck. Any small mammal is fair game!

[@alvindecker6641]

@@alexanderm1026 There must be a conspiracy going on at my place

[@steadyhauling2236]

A very unusual friendship but it just goes to show that no matter what you are and who you are you still can be civil to each other

[@wildlifeencounters2409]

@@alexanderm1026 yea I know right, I searched up this video because I just saw a hawk snatch a squirrel and take it away

[@roww10]

3:10 Hawk: "Is this him?" Squirrel: "Yeah, that is him. Always taking my nuts. Eat that fool."

[@jurassicsushi]

lol

[@argerinejordan4703]

😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@rick3747]

👍👍

[@310smoker]

could be

[@rageraptor7127]

Squirrel: smoke em

[@sirich7751]

Love the opening with the squirrel just chilling with the Hawk. "Hey Hawk, at rat is going to come out of that hole, ok". "Thanks squirrel, you get a pass today"

[@smallywaters7063]

I love the neighborhood sounds in the background. The sound shows how truly adapted the hawk is to the area!

[@JP47471]

It definitely heard and saw the sirens and reacted a lil bit

[@smallywaters7063]

@@JP47471 Cool video of a neat place. I miss the NYC vibe!

[@Lobtoy82]

Sounds like a riot going on.!

[@20FreeWill]

I feel sorry for it , should have a more peaceful environment. To be honest though, nobody really want to fuck with it or lose a face lol

[@addo2419]

Yeah sounded like some crime going on, I wouldn't like to move there!

[@lordwilksy]

Squirrel " there's a bully rat in the neighborhood...." Hawk " hold my beer" ...

[@newtaurus1]

lol

[@andyjones1060]

🤣🤣

[@tonyparra8459]

Hold my talon

[@tornadokat]

Squirrel and hawk are buddies. Squirrel's like "Hey Joe, there's a rat comes around 3:45 every day. Keeps eating my peanuts. Can ya help a pal out?".

[@superspread81]

Squirrels can’t talk though

[@Ryomichi]

tornadokat no! The squirrel actually said 2:50 because the hawk had caught the rat by 3:45.

[@dabig_sho6684]

tornadokat 😂👍👍

[@NightAndDay238]

Daz .....but hawks can? r/whoooooooooooooooooooooosh

[@NightAndDay238]

Ryomichi he meant the time 3:45pm not the time in the video length r/whoooooooooooooooooooooosh

[@ronniepirtlejr2606]

I see a couple of these birds every day on my bus route in Southern Illinois. They sit on top of the telephone poles working the farmers fields. They know where the food is! Beautiful birds!👍

[@Wil_Dasovich]

So satisfying. Please bring more of these birds to our city lol

[@FloridaManScents]

Your rats are what iguanas are to us down here in South florida 😭

[@ronreagan3969]

Yeah, so they can 💩 all over it's ignorant citizens. 😂

[@haraldsigurdsson1232]

Wonder why he didnt go for the squirl

[@FloridaManScents]

@@haraldsigurdsson1232 prolly too big

[@docolemnsx]

Yeah keep bringing more until cats start disappearing...

[@edgarross9955]

For the photographer, it was the most amazing thing he had ever seen. For the Hawk, it was Tuesday

[@paskowitz]

I understood that reference. M🦬

[@dieterrosswag933]

For the squirrel it was just another day his neighbor having trouble

[@Queensraces]

🤣🤣🤣

[@badgunda1501]

@@paskowitz jojo reference right?

[@wudipest]

@@badgunda1501 Nope. Street Fighter

[@metallicat923]

That squirrel has balls of steel!

[@jamesvickers9476]

metallicat923 ...why should the squirrel be worried the hawk had what he wanted at the time...probably didnt even see the hawk...balls of steel...lol

[@whatslogical3088]

metallicat923 no the rat did for beaing stupid lol

[@predpalina]

Squirrel is too big for Hawk's snacks....watchout squirrel when hawk's really starving!

[@agentofchaos1820]

Snitchin' squirrel.

[@norrinradd3549]

metallicat923, the Squirrels are about five to six hundred grams(over one pound), and the rats are only about two hundred and fifty grams(nine ounces), which is a reasonable weight for a bird that size, whereas the Squirrels would be too heavy, that’s why the Hawk is just ignoring them, and the Squirrels know it...

[@allthenamesiwantedweretaken]

Seeing as Red Tailed hawks can live to as old as 15, it's safe to say that Christo is still hunting today!

[@Z7Sakari]

Fantastic timing, and great filming. Also, thank you so much for not talking all the way through it as so many people do 😋

[@lirongchen4040]

Pizza filled rat tastes better than skinny vegan squirrel.

[@jpfishing9519]

squirrels are not vegan they surprisingly eat meat, they like to raid birds nests and eat the young

[@NCHLT]

@@jpfishing9519 Same goes to rats

[@jacquir8331]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@brostenen]

Rats and squirrels eat meat, egg's, fruit and other things like that.

[@dioniciorodriguez9511]

@@jpfishing9519 What t f...

[@misterperson974]

Love that the squirrel came back like if “yep, that’s the little shit.”

[@qh9070]

Haha

[@jeffreybrewer8649]

At this moment 3:10

[@susanapol382]

Haha

[@samwright285]

Lol

[@elysehernandez9861]

Word!

[@fatkidking]

I love how the squirrel is climbing the tree in the background and looks at the rat and the hawk and has this look on his face like oh bad luck homie

[@Blue-qr7qe]

Norm More like... better you than me.

[@JoeOvercoat]

4:08

[@fatkidking]

@@JoeOvercoat I keep forgetting you could do this now

[@pleasuretokill]

I love the squirrel climbing up the tree after the rat is caught, looks at the camera... like "did you see that shit???" 😲

[@Oplix]

I like how he had no beef with the squirrel

[@Salem-TC]

I know rite? The Grey or Black Squirrel...

[@-jovoc]

The squirrel would cut him up... they only go after squirrels when they are really desperate.

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

@@-jovoc Not true. Squirrels are an easy grab. Hawks in fl. Kill squirrels all the time. So do cats

[@philsmgb4393]

@@captainamericaamerica8090 Here in Ohio we have them get squirrels in the snow and they leave blood everywhere.

[@2sc458]

So funny that the Squirrel even photobombed after the catch.

[@fallindowndrunk]

The squirrel said “did you see that?!, this guy is good! I’m glad I made friends with him yesterday!”

[@elev8torguy130]

Haha I was thinking the same thing. He was like nice snatch playa.

[@7drakkar1]

LOL!!! Yeah, as he ran up the tree to hide in his little hole 😅

[@deandre87deandre87]

They live in trees together, so they go way back

[@drpoundsign]

@@elev8torguy130 This is a Family channel!

[@gabrielacordero1517]

That squirrel said” I’m out, it’s about lunch time “

[@ebonimom6964]

I love the stare off the squirrel and hawk had at 3:09

[@Brolga283]

That is absolute gold, thank you and 10/10 to the camera person!

[@TheNordicHunter]

I like how the squirrel on the tree stops and looks as if to say, “Damn, that could have been me.”

[@johnthegreat]

Thats not a rat,that's a mouse,come to Chicago the hawk couldn't lift one of our rats

[@TheNordicHunter]

@@johnthegreat I didn’t mention anything about a rat. We have large barn rats here, but that is probably a young rat. Everything starts out small, but that’s too big for a regular mouse.

[@johnthegreat]

@@TheNordicHunter Chicago are bigger,i put glue paper in a gang way one day because that was their way to a from the alley,he gets caught in the glue paper,I have an old coal shovel he sees me coming and escaped by leaving his hide on the glue paper,i couldn't believe it,true story, Chicago rats are huge,their belly drags,and they smile when they scurry by,look them up

[@TheNordicHunter]

@@johnthegreat Lol. That’s nuts. Is it all that Chicago style pizza they eat?

[@johnthegreat]

@@TheNordicHunter i don't know, but it's been like that forever

[@bwreynolds72]

Compliments to the camera person. This should be said more often when it’s NOT messed up or captured in portrait mode.

[@najthesavior4286]

@Michael F. Tommey Ambulance driving by sirens on is a natural occurrence in NY nothing new

[@damagekids]

agreed 100 %

[@yanetsmith8354]

Too true. That's a lot of patience in addition to the skillz!

[@yanetsmith8354]

Knows better than to bother with those squirrels when a juicy little rat is gonna pop up!

[@Warthog333]

I agree. Very annoying when people take videos in portrait mode. It’s actually HARDER to video that way.

[@sparfarkel1266]

I love it. Birds of prey are such beautiful creatures. Amazing how they survive in NYC. Thanks for the video

[@bluezinnia847]

Wow, Amazing video! I used to love living in NYC way back in the early 70's! That's such a rare video, congrats to the person who shot it! Thank you!

[@MegaShanes1]

Thats why we have to protect them as they do a good free service for the city.

[@debralavorata546]

They sure do,and they can see for miles,things we'll never see,all birds are beautify

[@garryharriman7349]

Is that the only reason then?

[@debralavorata546]

@@garryharriman7349 no that's not the only reason ,hawks and birds of prey, do control rodent populations,but their highly intelligent,majestic,and beautiful,as all birds are.

[@SaveWesternCivilisation]

Maybe we can train pterodactyls to eat feminists? Just a suggestion 😃

[@debralavorata546]

@@SaveWesternCivilisation love ur tag,amusing,or maybe they can be trained to DEVOUR male chauvinists,a better thought!!!!!

[@kayleighxoxo2386]

That is one citified hawk. Not intimidated at all by the noises. Squirrel is brave af and had front row seat. Great quality video! Thanks for the share!

[@BIGNOIDS]

It's amazing how much random wildlife there is in that one small area.

[@us-Bahn]

Did you see the black squirrel at the end of the clip?

[@AirsoftTim92]

@@us-Bahn I thought it was a mink, but if it's a black squirrel, that's amazing.

[@clqudy4750]

Love, love, LOVE this birb!...so beautiful. We have a goshawk and a red tail hawk that frequent our wooded neighborhood here in NE Fla. Goshawk likes our yard a lot, and clearly eats well as he is plump, just like this one. Great vid and thanks for posting!

[@ThunderAppeal]

3:10 Squirrel:'Hey, whats going.....nevermind I didnt see nothing.' Hawk:'Mind yours and keep it moving. This aint got nothin to do with you.'

[@firstclasspassenger]

*heavy Manhattan accent*

[@itwasaladream]

That squirrel had me laughing pretty hard, his reaction was great.

[@danieldayton3497]

Just checking out the scene he/she always defers to the hawk. Squirrels can fly but only five-six foot maximum.

[@robotoguts3165]

@@danieldayton3497 wtf did you just say lol

[@d-money5976]

Yeah the squirrel looked as to say " I never like his ass anyway"

[@suedenim6590]

Hopped up, licked his nutsack then bounced

[@vivekraychowdhury4348]

Thank you for the urban wildlife video. It was great.

[@LiberalsTearsoverTrump2024]

I love it when KZbin actually recommends content like this Well filmed ❤

[@cak8132]

What a beautiful bird. He’s doing a great service for NYC!!

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

Better job than the sanitation dept.

[@ivayloivanov7231]

@Jason B. Nice flag you got there! NPC will go Reeee!

[@self-righteousideologue9398]

Hello. I am Christo's agent, Matthew. Thank you for your kind words. Christo works hard to keep the city clean of pesky rodents. If you would like to interview Christo please reach out to me. We charge a reasonable fee. Thank you

[@paulc3749]

that’s a big bird, amazing abilities and eyesight 🦅

[@carolanestanley4030]

💯👍

[@sozijlt]

Bro knew exactly where to wait for a rat. Imagine just sitting still until a cheeseburger comes to you.

[@Pv_sMediatrics]

Get me out!! 😭😭😭😭😭

[@overlordp.3758]

He is in the big city. Always 🐀rats.

[@RilRil]

I believe that's called DoorDash!😏

[@Mr_BrokenKeyboard8064]

@@RilRil before this pandemic it was restaurants and waiters, but that works too now

[@eliu8]

@@Mr_BrokenKeyboard8064 well... going to a restaurant is not exactly, "sitting still until a cheeseburger comes to you" so Doordash is the better analogy.

[@dostagirl9551]

Thank you for including the information about the squirrels. I was like "dang, those some bold jokers" and then read your description.

[@petros7929]

Excellent catch, both the hawk and for the creator. I get hawks bathing in my backyard birdbath all the time here in central Florida. Squirrels abound next to them, but never seen a hawk after a squirrel. Great video again.

[@aProudOG]

Must be a “made” squirrel.

[@daviddelaet8116]

😆 🤣

[@MrBanks434]

😂😂😂😂

[@petersalazar3534]

🤣🤣🤣 I needed a good laugh 🤣🤣👍

[@SST1226]

Real greaseball shit

[@son_gogeto9128]

Yeah he's definitely on the take.

[@TangoSierra888]

Squirrel: “What’s going on over there?” Hawk: “You ain’t see nuthin. Keep walking, Rocky.”

[@ZippyThePinhead]

Cool, quick, and efficient, you gotta love love these raptors doing their jobs. The fact that he's been "adopted" by the neighborhood is pretty cool too.

[@morganm9040]

Christo just waits patient for the food to come to him. Gorgeous bird.

[@alisea..7250]

Hawk looked at that squirrel passing by on the tree like "YOU SAW NOTHING"

[@michaelcaselli2716]

Living in a rural area, I’m amazed at how the hawk has adapted to ‘city life’ being so tolerant of the sights and sounds of a busy neighborhood. Here, we just have to say ‘boo!’ and they fly away. Nature is amazing!

[@johnsuggs3952]

They've always been in the city. peregrine falcons can sometimes nest in the city as well

[@ryanjones7681]

@@johnsuggs3952 They are often shipped in and housed or raised in cities to help with the pigeon population.

[@johnsuggs3952]

@@ryanjones7681 really? Never knew that. Was born and raised there. Saw a falcon and a redtail hawk years ago. But never knew that

[@evanseekins517]

People say the decibels in rainforest and such hit the same level as a busy city street with all the different animals communicating. Food, water, shelter, and a mate and these guys'll be good haha.

[@John-ob7dh]

Was that a Black squirrel i saw in the back ground .?.

[@caseymoeger3737]

Most excellent footage! A beautiful thing indeed, to witness earthly nature in its purest form. Thanks for sharing

[@spiritualawakening2675]

Except when humans kill prey. Cows. Chickens. Tigers. Hippos. When it's a hawk it's beautiful. When its a human, suddenly the word has a problem with it.

[@caseymoeger3737]

@@spiritualawakening2675 food for thought: is human consciousness earthly in nature amidst the cosmos? Killing things for trophies, killing things for survival... killing "farmed" beings for consumerist survival of ego sustained, all tough pills to swallow. Mass breeding and killing of animals for carnivorous consumption has a horrible feel to it... yet here we dwell, in a "civilized" and primitive civilization....

[@tech35641]

I love the fact that you didn't add any annoying background music or any unnecessary commentary. Nice video

[@TomMcClean]

I am amazed that this large wild raptor is hunting in a public busy noisy park. He wasn't aat all bothered. Some bird!

[@jennylee9278]

There has been a peregrine falcon population here in downtown Lexington for about 30 years. They seem to adapt very well to cities. We also have tons of song birds, possums and raccoons.

[@bandesj]

I'll tell you why the Red Tailed Hawk population has boomed in NYC. If you were a Red Tailed Hawk living wide open spaces of upstate New York you'd have to fly 20 square miles to find the same amount of food this hawk can find in a NYC park. Where would you live?

[@TomMcClean]

Fair point well made Jeffrey. I am surprised they are so tolerant of people and traffic though.

[@bandesj]

They've adapted to urban life just like people adapt to urban living. I'm originally from NYC. I never noticed Red Tailed Hawks in NYC until the fuss was being made about Pale Male, a Red Tailed Hawk that lived across from Central Park, then I really got "into" these birds. I went to Queens College back in the 80's and never saw one. Many, many years later I went back to take some courses and found 3 Red Tails made Queens College their home; I even have a video here on KZbin of one. Red Tails aren't really afraid of very much including people, after all, as a human would you mess with a beak that can practically cut your finger off and 8 needle-like talons? I wouldn't :)

[@TomMcClean]

Thanks Jeffrey for filling me in on this. Great to see these wonderful birds close up. We too have predators like the peregrine buzzard and sparrowhawks in Belfast but they are not nearly so visible as these boys.

[@Hrazoart]

That squirrel looked into the camera like “DAAAAAAAAAYUMMM!!”

[@elysehernandez9861]

He sure did! Like...OH SNAP!

[@loveangel102]

😂😭🤣

[@Jerec]

3:08 The Squirrel popping up like a passer by coming up to a fisherman to ask what he just caught! 😂 Amazing.

[@SheenaRea]

Squirrel peeking from behind the tree at 4:07 is hilarious AF🤣🤣

[@henry55430]

3:13 Squirrel: *climbs up tree and bears witness* Squirrel: "Oh my--...." Hawk "YOU SAW NOTHING"

[@musheopeaus4125]

Love the peaceful sounds and gentle clam voice in the background

[@us-Bahn]

That’s good smooth patient camera work! Amazing footage.

[@ACMEpowersports]

City Hawk: This beats the hell out flying around for hours in the wild for a mouse.

[@Turtlemilk]

New York rats a whole diff story

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

@@Turtlemilk Not for a HAWK. EASY

[@TheZubeck8888]

Check out the squirrel. I think it was using the Jedi mind trick on the hawk.

[@johnnybravo-ir3ev]

@@TheZubeck8888 yeah. The squirrel wasnt worried. I wonder if hawks 3ven hunt them. There just a lil bigger thsn most rats.

[@nmelkhunter1]

johnny bravo They do hunt them.

[@zeeox]

Why on earth would anyone complain that this is too long? 5 minutes' duration is hardly Return of the King. It's simply wonderful footage of a lucky episode someone managed to witness... and also get on film. And even if it was too long... people can still fast forward. It's a funny old world.

[@yampaamvs]

People's pathetic attention spans.

[@iatonnal]

People today are raised to expect instant gratification. They are irreverent to the meaning and value of everything else.

[@jimmymulherin4505]

Ideally this should be a 7-second Vine or Tik-Tok -- perhaps with Rick Ross song looped over it.

[@e.t926]

Yeah i dont think this was too long

[@AllHailNannerpuss]

I wanted a longer video of that majestic hawk!

[@williamfarley8434]

Awesome video, really. Thanks for posting and updating.

[@briandoyle6188]

What a magnificent raptor...and he's still doing a service for every New Yorker in that area ...it just shows nature can/will thrive anywhere the local people should be proud...and also in the clip is a black squirrel just amazing...more unusual in northeastern US and Canada and Britain has them as well because of them escaping from private zoo's... Great to see Christo still doing his job what a specimen 👍....

[@dakota481]

There is something about the hawk casually looking around while it's slowly killing it's prey that makes it chilling...

[@shermanhofacker4428]

@Dac Ota Hawks never quit looking. It's surviving, just watch anyone who has been in combat. Backs almost always to the wall and eyes constantly moving, hyperaware of everything around.

[@oldsagerat]

This is the reason NOT to use poisons.

[@LordZoth6292]

Rat poison is illegal. Go to the hardware store tomorrow and try to buy some.

[@matthewhaga5400]

LordZoth6292 You can still buy rat poison, you just have to buy it in bulk now.

[@Africanfrogs]

To bad most people with rat problems don’t have a hungry hawk waiting

[@ManiacalAge]

oldsagerat Arguably, that rat wouldnt have been outside to get preyed upon if it ate poison

[@LordZoth6292]

@@matthewhaga5400 im sure you need a license to purchase that. Ive never seen bulk rat poison out at hardware stores in years, thats from a guy whose spent many years working at one.

[@Warmsunset26]

Nice share. Thank you. Here in the uk, near gatwick. we periodically have the DEER come and graze in our communal garden. Sadly, not as often as they used to though. Coming from South Africa, where raptors are prominent, it is nice to see a Falcon '' cleaning up the neighbourhood ''.

[@rosiecastro5322]

Wow!! Great footage!! Powerful clows and beatiful redtail hawk!

[@DAVEDKIIINGMUSIC]

That squirrel on the tree was like damn.. Better him than me, that's none of my business 😂 🐸☕

[@agengsatya2915]

DAVEDKIIINGMUSIC look from 0:00, its same squirrel that sit on the fence near the hawk before, so its more likely, "hi neighbour".

[@lawren7615]

Nice of the hawk to take a dump off the patio. Then takes his dinner to a tree without leaving a mess. A well mannered bird.

[@TheEmpireAnimations]

🤣

[@dublinjazz1]

😅👍

[@cristinesalisbury63]

Making room for a second dinner

[@teddyjackson1902]

It was his flight check

[@stevewilliams3850]

GogglaNYC : You have recorded a fascinating video. Thank you for sharing it with us. Red tail hawks are incredibly beautiful birds. They are one of the largest hawks in this country, and the most widely distributed hawk. once again, thanks for sharing this with us. May God bless you.

[@Cue-pv3jg]

Squirrels in NYC are either tough or crazy. Where I live, birds of prey clear entire neighborhoods and mean business. ANYTHING smaller beware, get curiously close like these did here and Bam - seconds! We once had pigeon problems for a couple of years at work until “big papa”(or mama) happened along and cleared things up, in just one week. Thanks for the video.

[@magnanimousnote]

A moment in time that was beautifully captured, unscripted and real life theater. We were able to witness the natural order of nature. Appreciate the fact you chose to share this with us.

[@yesthisisdonut]

not a phone in sight

[@ZippyThePinhead]

AND no music playing over the actual sound of the surroundings, just pure nature at it's best.

[@SeemsFutileNow]

I live in the Smoky Mountains and to me there is nothing more beautiful than a Red Tail Hawk circling the Mountain Ridges.

[@saggitarusspirit401]

What a beautiful bird, loved the footage. Thanks for sharinh

[@foxwood67]

Great photos and information on the Hawks and squirrel’s relationship in description.

[@mikefoley3785]

He was hungry enough for a rat, but not hungry enough to mess with the squirrels.

[@xavierhorn9825]

Probably because the rat could be killed easier, without much risk of injury. I don't think a squirrel could do much damage to a hawk, but if you had the choice of hunting a snake vs eating a burrito I think you'd go for the burrito

[@TotalMishap]

Squirrels are a favorite prey for Red Tails. The squirrel knows how close it can get without being caught.

[@Myusernamerulez]

Xavier Horn That's a terrible analogy

[@xavierhorn9825]

Sure, but you get the general gist of it, right? It's easier to go for something that's not a threat vs the thing that you could loose or get injured by?

[@nunyabizzz1135]

Mike Foley squirrels are mean af.

[@abeladames3593]

The look on the squirrels face was priceless

[@tomtalker2000]

GOOD FOR Christo...!!! The gray squirrel gave him a look like THANK GOD you picked him instead of me. And Christo's probably thinking your days are numbered buddy...!!! I've been in the avian field now for the better part of 35yrs. And have worked "hands on" with everything from Warblers to Birds of Prey such as Christo. And throughout the years MANY cities have used Red-Tailed Hawks & Peregrine Falcons too help "cull" the Rock Pigeon and Rat problems they have. It's helped out A LOT and it's BY FAR safer then using poisons that can affect other pet and wild animals. So this is Christo doing what comes naturally for him and a great job he's doing...:)

[@blxtothis]

The Squirrel popping back to check the catch was rather revealing, what a character!

[@GG1man]

The length of your video shows the patience the hawk has. Like a cat, they sit and watch carefully for the right moment to strike. And when they do, it's curtains for the victim. Nature is certainly amazing.

[@richmann2264]

It’s easier and smarter for a predator to wait for an ez kill he knows will appear v chasing or fighting for it...

[@jakeeaglen5754]

Yea but when it comes to big cats. Only 1 in 10 hunts are successful.

[@angelhawk6425]

It's an all day Buffet in Manhattan, Rats for days especially in the Parks. Thank God there back in NYC, but they still won't make a real dent in the Population.

[@OoOZOOZOoO]

Subhan Allah

[@worldcure7883]

@@jakeeaglen5754 african big cats, your thinking of lions. They are at a complete disadvantage because of their environment.

[@WithSoto]

LOL at 3:11 - that squirrel was like "dafuqqq, naw im outta here"

[@agengsatya2915]

Andrew Soto nope, its same squirrel since 0:00, its hawk's neighbour

[@klyanadkmorr]

We have peregrins in my state capitol mostly for the pigeons who have completely been reduced in numbers so they go for the ground squirrels mice rabbits baby squirrels. We also have Bald Eagles nesting along our rivers going thru the city. Beautiful - DINOS descendants!☺ The squirrel was watching up close and probably knew the rats and was sh!t talking him while he was dying. Squirrel, 'Dude I told you Christo is here hanging out today, but NOES you said that piece of toast was too good to pass up, now yah DED! He dont fk wid me cause I pushed him off the fence once'

[@raxtbk]

The squirrel's reaction in 3:11 is hilarious

[@Larwenful]

Anyone else see the black squirrel at 3:20?

[@padtransfer4917]

Michael Watts Many pure black squirrels in my area, there is one who is living in my yard - being my neighbor for quite a while

[@davidnixon6023]

Michael Watts he is at both 3:20 & 4:20

[@danielscissorhands]

You New Yorkers don't get many black squirrels? You all seem so surprised. In Toronto, most squirrels are black. And we have tons of them.

[@gusgarcia3282]

That's pretty cool. I live in Cali & i seen a crow with white wings in Redondo beach.

[@suzib777]

I've never seen one either and we've got a lot of squirrels here in Northern California....

[@brentwilbur]

3:10 - the look on that squirrel's face, though. "None of _my_ business."

[@noahsteele195]

Typical New Yorker..lol

[@geoffhennessy275]

Mr. Squirrel “the hawk is good people. He’s a friend of ours.”

[@victoriavillegas5]

Impressive, specially considering the laud noises of the city. The concentration capacity is remarcable!

[@greyjay9202]

Squirrel: Hey bro, there's a small rat down under that bush. Hawk: Yeah, I know. I'm waiting for him to stick his nose out. What a beautiful bird. Endless patience and focus. Not fazed by the siren, either.

[@JeremiahRC5464]

That same hawk and two others were eye balling me while i was bbqing on my roof. I live across the street from this park

[@davidortiz3094]

Awesome area. Love the LES. Went to high school there.

[@mrdiplomat9018]

Heh..... he was hoping for a piece of 🍔 burger 🎯✅

[@JeremiahRC5464]

@@mrdiplomat9018 i know they were. My friend took his infant son off the roof because those hawks look like they were ready to kidnap, snack, attack. I left food on the roof for them but that same food was still where i left it the next day. I think they like violent meals.

[@JeremiahRC5464]

@@mrdiplomat9018 oh wait i just got what you meant by a piece of burger. The piece of burger guy talking about that car crash or something. Drag queen or some shit.

[@superman-7820]

🤣🤣🤣bro I read your comment and envisioned it lmfaoooo I dead ass spit out my soda lmfaoo👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@wandarask8444]

Thanks so much for sharing I live in the City in Australia, your city is so noisy. Beautiful Bird Thankyou for sharing

[@AssassinoSighted]

Im from oz and thought the same thing lol

[@ronniebishop2496]

Thank you for this. I have a hawk and several other species that hang around in the trees in my north yard, that sets next to a huge black angus cattle ranch, here in Oklahoma, just south of Tulsa. Though St Louis is the old gateway to the west the geographical gateway is Tulsa the real jumping off point. I liked your video.

[@TotalMishap]

All the idiots walking by on their cell phones don't even notice. Thanks for filming it the correct way. These birds have adapted quite well to city life. Natural rodent exterminator.

[@MikeyJMJ]

Great to have around and doing a huge favour too. This should be promoted in more cities around the globe, a good place to re-establish populations for endangered bird of prey species I think.

[@jeibal02]

TotalMishap why are they idiots?

[@humansavages832]

NopeHeaux They don't enjoy NATURE AROUND THEM😠😠😠😠😠😠!!!!!!!

[@voidyvoid11]

hatebullys savages I would have seen the hawk kill the rat...

[@ezcanor8262]

This is quite normal in the City now. So can't blame them for not paying attention. I actually don't live to far from multiple nests in Queens.

[@aaronhumphrey2009]

" Just because I got an appetizer doesn't mean you're off the menu "- Mr Hawk to Mr Squirrel..

[@d.a.b.2336]

We need more hawks like him around lol

[@icecoldlow652]

That was a mouse not a rat

[@2to-tango]

What a gorgeous bird! 💕

[@cserohs]

It's interesting that the Hawks stays focused even though all the crazy distractions are going around like the ambulance. Also that it holds the rat in its talons for long period waiting for it to die.

[@donnasmyth45]

Is it the talons that kill the rat?

[@cdunne1620]

..yes but the hawk lives in the present, reacting to what comes up. Imagine having absolutely ZERO sense or knowledge of time, wouldn’t that be a crushingly quiet mind, a state of beauty, can that state arise in the human doing, sorry the human being. …..eh eh eh…yes it can

[@dot7107]

Chinese fight from the same rat 😂

[@grantp4022]

@@donnasmyth45 a hawk has 300 lbs per square inch of penetrating power in its talons, that are like sharp knives. They can put these talons right thru a mans hands, breaking small bones. This is how they kill, and eagles have 700 lbs per inch of power.

[@incoherentrambler2269]

Even without showing the actual 'kill', this is some of the best nature cinematography I've ever seen, especially in an urban setting. (I'm 65.) Whoever complains about the length just doesn't get it. Marlon Perkins and Jim Fowler ain't got nuthin' on you!

[@sparsons61]

I agree

[@EmilyTienne]

Ha! You and I are both old enough to remember Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Dad and I never missed an episode when I was a kid.

[@sandilo60]

@@EmilyTienne My family, too. Loved that program. ❤

[@TheJhtlag]

Yeah, this is excellent, particularly for how it has adapted to an urban setting. I can't imagine a hawk like that sitting so low to the ground but it probably has a a continuous supply of rats and has developed a hunting style while processing things like ambulances whizzing by.

[@Luisitoantonio_]

The length made it better

[@albertol9654]

Hawk: You didn't see nothing.. Squirrel: Ok Mr. Hawk we don't want any trouble

[@jules7327]

That squirrel was like “Better him than me , deuces ✌️ “ 😂

[@williamparadis3058]

Remarkable footage. Coming from a rural environment, it's great to see how acclimated Christo is to human activity - it is very hard to establish this kind of proximity to raptors in the wilderness - probably mostly because we seem so out of place there. The squirrels are interesting too, maintaining a wary awareness while still going about their day - here, at the first sign of a predator they will scurry to shelter immediatelty. Thanks for posting this and for your perceptive commentary.

[@kingstrap8159]

Yeah.. great to see.. minimised habitat!

[@humbuccaneer84]

Squirrels are the king off the hill some can even fly 🦸‍♂️ well... glide. Always keeping an eye on the enemy the raptor is not much of a threat once it's on the ground.

[@sealboy1211]

For real, in the sticks they could be 80 feet up in a tree and they see you a football field away and they are like “ Yea I’m gonna head out.”

[@sosmra]

Beautiful bird, need to keep them healthy in nyc and everywhere.

[@gutzzgutzz6795]

Hawks and Falcons thrive in NYC because of all the buildings they can nest at and all the rodents they want.

[@beastmaster0934]

@@gutzzgutzz6795 And pigeons too. For hawks and falcons, NYC is an all you can eat buffet. Pigeons and rats as far as the eye can see Any hatchling born there will have an easy upbringing.

[@teds_testfire5819]

Where killing are friends and family being assholes. Good luck with that.

[@gutzzgutzz6795]

@@teds_testfire5819 Oh no a mask nut. 🤭

[@JonLipton]

@@gutzzgutzz6795 what about noise pollution though?

[@StonedustandStardust]

Wow, great video. Thanks for capturing this awesome bird. Curious was the squirrel not an acquired taste,?

[@blairsterling6141]

Tasty meal for the hawk. The balance of life in action. Great video. We would like more hawks in our area..they are beautiful and really smart.