I added a photo that was taken by my husband to the Wildlife Gallery. He was at home this afternoon (Altadena, California) and heard something hit the side of the house, hard. He first thought the neighbor boys were doing batting practice and using the side of our house as a backstop - and got up to discourage this activity - but discovered instead a smaller hawk (probably sharpshin or coopers, and darned if I can ever tell the difference!) had taken down a mourning dove.
They were sitting right outside the patio window so he grabbed the camera and got a couple really good shots before the icky part began. Shortly after the hawk clumsily carried the dove to the other side of the yard and got down to messily devouring. Took about two hours and all that's left are a pile of feathers.
Our best guess is that the hawk was chasing the dove, and the dove in an attempt to escape hit the window, or side of the house, and the hawk took advantage of it being stunned. Dave said the dove was still alive and moving directly after they hit the ground, but by the time he got his camera it had stopped.
Circle of life!
Big Kahuna
Great shot, BK! I'm always surprised by how much wildlife is all around us, even in the city.
Just make sure that sharpie stays away from any potential nesters here!