When your cooper's hawk takes a mockingbird, what should you do?

Allowing your hawk to feed and then abandon the carcass is a natural aspect of falconry and supports the bird's instinctual behavior. When a raptor has successfully hunted, it is important for the falconer to allow the bird to enjoy the reward of its effort. Feeding on the prey reinforces the hunting behavior and contributes to the hawk's overall training and development. By allowing the bird to have this experience, you are not only enhancing its skills but also nurturing its relationship with food and hunting.

While considerations such as retrieving the bird immediately or using the carcass for later might seem practical, they might not align with the best interests of promoting healthy hunting instincts. Keeping the carcass for practice may not provide the same benefits as allowing the hawk to engage with its prey naturally. Ultimately, allowing the hawk to feed fosters a sense of satisfaction and enhances its learning and growth as a hunter.