Update: Red-tailed hawk makes rare catch at UC Davis Health
(SACRAMENTO)
William “Bill” Corbett, UC Davis Health’s procurement supervisor and unofficial resident falcon expert, studied the video featured earlier this week on Insider closely and has confirmed it’s actually a red-tailed hawk and not a falcon. Corbett’s expertise has long helped the campus community understand and appreciate the raptors that share our environment.
A red-tailed hawk in flight.
Corbett noted the hawk managed to catch a pigeon, which is unusual because hawks typically need to ambush pigeons, while peregrine falcons can chase them down in flight.
In the video below, a red-tailed hawk faced a group of crows attempting to taunt it. Moments later, the hawk launched into the sky, effortlessly soaring above the commotion and revealing a dramatic sight: prey clutched firmly in its talons. It was a stunning reminder of the wild beauty that coexists with our health care mission.
If you’ve ever looked up while walking across the UC Davis Health campus, you might have spotted one of our other remarkable neighbors — the peregrine falcon. Known as the fastest animal on Earth, peregrines can dive at speeds exceeding 200 mph, making them extraordinary hunters and a symbol of resilience. The peregrine falcons — and now the red-tailed hawk — help control the campus pigeon population.
Watch the video to see this incredible moment unfold and celebrate the wildlife that calls our campus home.
