There is never a good time to be the victim of a vicious attack at the claws of a larger and stronger bird, but this is exactly what happened for this unfortunate owl, when it found itself targeted by a large hawk.
This avian encounter between a pale chanting goshawk and a southern white-faced owl was spotted by Garth Cook in Mata Mata, a rest camp in the Kgalagadi National Park.
Duck And Weave
The owl had taken shelter in the tangled branches of a tree, and it was there that it had decided to make its last stand. With its head hunkered down and its feathers all sticking out as far as it could make them, it was desperately trying to make itself an unappealing target.
It was clearly very aware of the threat that the goshawk posed, but it made no attempt to escape. Perhaps it was only aware of the threat because the hawk had already attacked, and now it had no other options than to make itself look as big and threatening as possible.
The age of this owl isn’t known. Due to the color of its eyes and face it would appear to be an adult, but the softer feathers around its head would suggest it was young, or that it had already been in a scuffle.
Danger From Above
While the owl did what it could without moving, the hawk loomed threateningly above it, lurking in the higher branches and just waiting for an opportunity to descend upon its prey.
In only a few seconds it had moved as fast as lightning to the branch just next to the unfortunate owl, where it began its attack by kicking at the owl with its sharp talons. At first it looked like it was attempting to dislodge the owl from its perch.
Instantly Overpowered
From its position up close and personal with the owl, the hawk continued to kick, and it quickly became clear that it was actually attempting to grab the persecuted bird.
Eventually, it was successful with this goal and it seized the owl, either by the neck or head, and held it powerfully in place in the tree, amidst a great flurry of feathers flying in every direction.
The hawk dragged the owl along several branches, potentially trying to fly away with it, but the owl struggled for its very life against the sharp claws of its attacker.
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Fighting For The Right To Survive
The situation didn’t appear to be favorable for the owl. The hawk appeared to be stronger, larger, and more ferocious. Nevertheless the owl had won a few more moments of freedom, but it could do nothing except stay in the tree and look shocked.
The owl made no attempt to escape, perhaps knowing that any such effort would be futile. Garth’s footage doesn’t show how the encounter ended, but he sent Latest Sightings the story claiming the hawk eventually killed the unfortunate owl.
Neglected Senior Pup Finally Learns What Love Feels Like After He Meets His New Family
For the past ten years of his life, all Conrad, a senior Beagle, knew was neglect and abuse.
He was found in horrific shape in one of the city shelters, completely shut down from everything.
Despite his situation being vague, Conrad’s shape spoke for itself. He was severely malnourished, had rotten teeth, and was deeply depressed. This skin-and-bones dog knew nothing but suffering for the last decade, but all that was about to change within days!
Conrad’s Heartbreaking Backstory
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
Conrad was on the way to being euthanized by the shelter he was found in when the Beagle Freedom Project team, from Los Angeles, California, came across his story.
After ten long years in a home where he knew nothing but neglect, Conrad ended up being a shelter dog with zero chance for a new start. But, the BFP team acted timely!
In coordination with their partnering rescue groups, Beagle Freedom Project took Conrad in, ready to give him the transformation of a lifetime.
In the video posted by this Californian rescue, Kait, the social media manager, explains that this senior boy hasn’t had an easy life.
“This poor boy is in horrific condition. As you can see he is severely emaciated, he’s skin and bone, his hips are sticking out, his spine is sticking out, he has extremely dry skin,” Kait, BFP’s social media manager, says in the video.
However, thanks to the community and his amazing caregivers, Conrad was given a new chance in no time.
After weeks of care, TLC, and dental surgery, Conrad finally found a glimmer of hope that things might eventually end well!
The Most Wonderful News
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
Conrad’s incredible transformation took everyone by surprise!
Despite all odds, this senior boi showed remarkable spirit and resilience, which eventually resulted in his speedy recovery!
“We are excited to share that after a month of intensive care, healthy meals, and dental surgery, Conrad is feeling much better. He is finding joy in life again— exploring, playing, and even digging through the trash like a typical beagle,” the rescue wrote in an update post.
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
But, that wasn’t about it for sweet Conrad. In the same post, the rescue announced the greatest update about this lovely dog. After spending a few meaningful weeks in a new foster home, his dad couldn’t help but go all in for Conrad!
Instead of helping him find a new home, Conrad’s foster decided to make him a permanent member of the family.
“His incredible foster dad fell in love with him and decided to ADOPT him. Conrad has a forever family,” the rescue added.
After a lifetime of neglect and abuse, Conrad will finally have a nice, cozy home and a family to love him. And, that’s pretty much everything he had been looking for this entire time.
We wish you the best golden years of your life, sweet boi!
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