This morning we had some interesting drama starting near the edge of where flock free-range forages during the production season. A relatively large oak bearing mast is out in the middle of pasture and is barely inside the 5 acre area young birds wander looking for eats. A Fox Squirrel was out collecting acorns under the nose of a Red-tailed Hawk while the dogs sat in yard watching whole drama play out. The male dog was making the low warning woof sounds which originally got my attention, Initially I was not aware a squirrel was involved as dogs generally run hawks off when they come in. I saw the hawk fall about 15 feet to ground and dogs bolted the 150 yards or so after the hawk as it struggled with is catch on the ground. Just before the dogs got to the scene which was only seconds, the hawk flew up and away and male dog stole the hawks catch. Scoob gave his booty a quick shake then trotted back to the house where I could actually see what it was. He brought the critter back, went through dog door and hopped up on bed to eat it. My wife then intervened. No one was particularly happy in the end.
