We have Coopers Hawks in the neighborhood. They've kind of decimated the bird/squirrel population, only an occasional brave cardinal, chickadee, or finch visit our feeders. The hummingbirds, thankfully, could care less. Today one visited very close to home, sitting on the head of our fake deer, named Sparky. They are amazing birds. I like the head turned around like an owl and the three broad dashes on the tail feathers. I wasn't privileged to see any carnage...
OMG!!!!! That is just amazing Michael. Thanks so much for drawing my attention to it. I have been horribly behind on viewing and commenting. So I keep trying to distinguish between a cooper's hawk and a red-shouldered hawk. They both have the long banded tales, but an adult cooper seems to be more gray.
Oh, and hummingbirds will nest near hawks--I saw that in a documentary once. Apparently, other birds like to eat hummers, but hawks like those birds, so the hummingbird feels safer closer to the hawk because it draws in his food group! I was wondering why the grassy area I usually see LOTS of songbirds has been empty for months. Then I saw the hawk's nest. The juveniles are out and about now too. Have no idea how much longer I'll be able to observe, but I go everyday for a look. My camera cannot reach them well, but I try anyway!
@darylo Wow! thanks for the hawk lesson - we've had hummingbirds since we've moved in 11 years ago, but they don't care about the hawks. fascinating! I wondered what preyed on hummingbirds...I live in a pretty well-treed area.
I saw your comment on Daryl's page and had to come take a peek. This is a fabulous shot. I love the way that you caught him turned around looking at you. We don't always get to see their backs. I love these birds and we have several in the woods behind us.
@tara11 Thanks for the comment and your follow! They moved into our neighborhood about three years ago and seem to want to stay! I'm sad we don't have all the birds we used to have, though! I'm excited to see what else I might be able to catch.
Oh, and hummingbirds will nest near hawks--I saw that in a documentary once. Apparently, other birds like to eat hummers, but hawks like those birds, so the hummingbird feels safer closer to the hawk because it draws in his food group! I was wondering why the grassy area I usually see LOTS of songbirds has been empty for months. Then I saw the hawk's nest. The juveniles are out and about now too. Have no idea how much longer I'll be able to observe, but I go everyday for a look. My camera cannot reach them well, but I try anyway!