When is a hawk most likely to successfully catch a pheasant?

The success rate of a hawk catching a pheasant is influenced significantly by the conditions under which the hunt occurs. When a pheasant has been flushed multiple times, it becomes more accustomed to the danger and may be less alert and more likely to exhibit fatigue or confusion. This repeated disturbance can lead to the pheasant being less vigilant and more likely to make unwise choices when it comes to flight and escape routes.

Initially, a pheasant is usually more energetic and alert, making the moment it first rises in the air a time of heightened caution for the bird. In other scenarios, where either the hawk is not hungry or the pheasant is allowed to take cover, the dynamics shift to a situation where the hawk's chances of making a successful catch are reduced. Therefore, flushing the pheasant multiple times creates a context where the hawk can take advantage of an unsuspecting opportunity, resulting in a higher likelihood of a successful catch.