Sharp-shinned Hawk devouring its meal in the snow (Mourning Dove).
The circle of life is not always a pleasant thing to see, but birds of prey feed on mice, voles, small birds, and fish.
Hawks and owls depend on voles, a small rodent, to stay alive and during the harsh winters voles are able to hide under the snow.
And when prey becomes scarce, birds of prey die from starvation.
So keep an open mind when you see a healthy-looking hawk or owl eating its prey.
It’s not pretty to look at, but revel knowing that bird of prey can live on another day.