Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Lizard on the Menu

There are quite a few Italian Wall Lizards scurrying around now. These are, as the common name suggests, an introduced species.
They had best watch out, because there is often an American Kestrel around here. And, having been introduced to lizards, they take to them nicely. (There are three native lizard species found in NY, but none in NYC.)
But this was unexpected. This Red-tail glided down from a tree I was approaching and landed a few yards away..
Sorry for the gruesomeness. The lizard’s tail, presumably snapped off at first contact, went slithering away down the slope, autonomously.
The hawk picked up and shook-dropped the lizard several times over five-to-six minutes, before the final swallow. Seemed rather cat-like.

mthew

One response to “Lizard on the Menu”

  1. Lizards | Backyard and Beyond

    […] a Kestrel was carrying one. Since then, I’ve seen the local Kestrels dining on them. A Red-tail […]

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