If someone had told me about this, there is no way I would believe it.

From http://blog.sfgate.com/stienstra/2013/05/14/amazing-sightings-hawk-gives-blackbird-free-ride-gallery/#12231-5:

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“I was exploring the wildlife refuge and heard the screech of a red-tailed hawk, loud and repeated. I scanned the sky but didn’t see anything at first. Then, in the distance, I saw a young red-tailed hawk sitting on a telephone pole and the red-winged blackbirds were jumping on and off its back and head, apparently to drive it away from a nesting area.

“I immediately stopped, changed to my long lens and set up my camera in anticipation for the show. As I walked closer, I anticipated that the hawk would take flight and the blackbirds would pursue it, to drive it out of their territory. I raised the camera and the blackbird actually landed on the hawk multiple times.

“The small bird was so far more maneuverable in flight that all the hawk could do was tolerate it and fly away.”

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Californians sure do love free rides.

I often see small birds pestering hawks, so this isn't real surprising. I am always amazed that the hawks don't tear them to pieces.

Clearly being evacuated off the slopes of Mt. Doom.

^
I guess the photographer missed the part where the blackbird released a moth to go summon the hawk.

Mocking birds and crows LOVE to do that kind of thing. I've seen once a couple of crows harrassing a large hawk, then some mockingbirds showed up and started after both the hawk and the crows..

phideaux

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I am always amazed that the hawks don't tear them to pieces.

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Yeah, but you know he would if he could.

One of the most incredible things I have ever seen was a hawk chasing a quail. They were flying low along a mesquite infested fenceline. It looked like the X-wing fighter battles on Star Wars. They were zig-zagging through trees and flying very fast. I didn't see the end of it, but I think the quail got away that time.

Scissortails will wear a hawk out, too. Seen them after Cara Caras also.