When a hawk flushes a pheasant, what is the likelihood of the hawk successfully capturing the pheasant if it is flushed a second time?

The information regarding the likelihood of a hawk successfully capturing a pheasant upon a second flush indicates that it is seldom successful. When a pheasant is initially flushed, it is likely to take flight quickly and may fly a considerable distance, often using its instinct to evade predators. If the hawk does not capture the pheasant on the first attempt, the pheasant will typically be in a heightened state of alertness during a second flush, having already experienced danger. Such heightened awareness often leads the pheasant to evade capture more effectively.

Additionally, the behavior of raptors and their prey can contribute to this scenario. After the initial flush, a pheasant may choose to hide or take cover within dense vegetation, further limiting the chances of a successful capture during a subsequent flush. This natural instinct for survival coupled with the dynamics of hunting behavior means that the success rate for a hawk in capturing a pheasant generally decreases if the opportunity arises more than once.