Monday, November 17, 2008

Coopers Hawk Family Reunion

More about the Coopers Hawk...  This morning there were no birds at the feeder and the who-who birdies had not stopped by either.  So I figured the hawks were still in the area.

I broke out the binoculars and started checking nearby trees.  Sure enough in the large tree just the other side of our back fence sat a hawk.  Then I noticed another.  And then yet another.  They must have been having a family reunion. 

I checked them out as best I could with the binoculars.  When Ginger came into the room I told here I had spied the hawks and there were 3 of  'em in the tree.  She said, "is that counting the one on the fence?"   Geez, I had missed the hawk sitting right in front of my face.  I would make a great hunter.... sure.

A short time later the largest of the hawks dropped from the tree and was obviously going after some bird.  These hawks are fast and agile.  It was headed down toward the ground going fast and then lifting and turning at the same time.  It's wings were almost vertical as it turned around the maiden grass stalks.  It then accelerated and zoomed out of my sight as it went down by the side of the house.

I don't know if the hawk connected with it's target.  I was certainly impressed with the demonstration of agility, speed and obvious strength. 

Once again these things begin and end in just seconds.  Go to the fridge or answer the phone and you will miss the show.

No comments: