HAWK eats RAT! - *WARNING Graphic!*

[@bobdrouin]

Just when I think the hawk is a fussy eater (paying particular attention to which parts of the intestines it eats and it discards... which is sensible), it up and swallows the whole rat! Afterwards, it carefully cleans its talons and beak of any debris left behind. In the end, the whole process is hygiene-focussed... and much moreso than I imagined. Thanks for sharing this well-captured, informative video, Steve.

[@mycompasstv]

Yes, it's amazing just how much care the hawk takes to discard the bad bits, like the intestine, then swallow the carcass whole, then clean himself. As you say, he has a 'hygiene-focused' routine. I've never seen anything like this before, so I count myself very lucky to have captured this. Thanks so much Bob for your keen insight and for commenting!

[@ivannovotny4552]

Nature is cruel, but fair.

[@mycompasstv]

Hi Ivan, you are right. Thank you for commenting.

[@ivannovotny4552]

@@mycompasstv Most welcome and thank you for sharing/posting.

[@twoloshyn100]

That’s so footage. Needs a plate of beans and greens to complete the meal.

[@canonicus1]

Incredible capture! Nicely done.

[@mycompasstv]

Thanks for commenting.

[@mycompasstv]

I believe now that the animal was not a rat but actually an Eastern Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus).

[@kitty66ish]

Looks nasty!! But fantastic footage here - is this hawk in the city??

[@mycompasstv]

Yes, it's in the city. Thanks Kitty. 😺meow.

[@wingedpegasus1]

Fascinating look at nature. Well done.

[@mycompasstv]

Thank Ian! 😁

[@cannon.mx5]

Spectacular

[@mycompasstv]

Thanks!😎

[@lorettasmith4745]

Interesting to see this hawk clean himself after his meal.

[@mycompasstv]

Thanks for your comment.

[@tantebaguette]

My cat sonetimes eats the whole rat, minus the snout and whiskers.

[@mycompasstv]

Cool cat. 😼

[@ilonaktravels]

I'm not sure -- is that a rat? ... whatever it was, where did it come from?

[@mycompasstv]

I think it's a 🐀either that, or it's a really big 🐭!