Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Coopers Hawk in my Yard

Check it out all. My first hawk photo. I can even identify it as a coopers hawk (I think). I was in my kitchen fuddling around when all of a sudden I could see my trash birds run for cover. They scattered in every direction known to man. I ran to the window and there it was. It sat very patiently for about 20 minutes waiting for a house sparrow to come out of hiding. I felt so bad for him because it was windy out and he was obviously hungry. I wished he would eat burgers or something like that because I would have gladly made him one with all of the fixings. Suddenly my red bellied woodpecker appeared and I grew sick to my stomach. I kind of tapped on the window to make him go away but he wouldn't.

I was torn at this point between the hawk and my red bellied and the red bellied won. My neighbors have been feeding birds for five years now and have never had one of these birds visit their feeders before. I feel his presence here is an honor and I couldn't see him become the hawks lunch. I went out there slowly and hissed at him and sure enough he flew away. The hawk just stared at me annoyed and I drew closer for a photo and off he flew to where the pigeons hang out.

I so wish he would have gotten a house sparrow or a starling as they are a pain in the you know what. Those trash birds are smart little buggers and hide instantly whenever a hawk arrives in my yard. I guess that is why they are so abundant and have taken over the bird world.



I had my first flock of goldfinches today. Usually I get only 2 or 3 at a time but this afternoon I had about 10. It was quite the site to see. I have a feeling I will be refilling my nyjer tomorrow morning.



Finally Squiggy sitting in the coconut feeder. I cannot get over how resourceful and well balanced he is to hang on this thing. He looked so sweet sitting there I couldn't' yell at him. I just took a couple of pictures and let him eat in peace. I am sure it's not easy being a squirrel this time of year.

13 comments:

Rich said...

You have a great blog! Keep it up.

Shelley said...

I wouldn't have been able to bear the red bellied being the hawk's lunch either. You have a kind heart!

Mary said...

Looks like a mighty Cooper to me! Congratulations, Kallen :o) Hawks need to eat. So far, I've only seen a Cooper carry away a MODO and I know they like them... If a Cooper took a Red-Bellied, I'd be crushed!

Mary

NW Nature Nut said...

I always have that torn feeling when I see a hawk in the yard too. It's a thrill to see them and they gotta eat too, but on the other hand I love all my "little birds" and don't want to see them become a meal!

Alan Pulley said...

Very cool! I enjoy watching hawks. Maybe he will return and thin out that population of house sparrows for you. I've also had a lot of gold finches at the feeder recently. They're fun birds to watch.

Margaret Cloud said...

Those bird photos are very nice. My sister put feeders under the eaves of her garage so the squirrels will stay out, no such luck, they hang by their toes and get to the feeders, and get this her garage is cement and they go right up the sides to get to the suet. I have had little hawks after my birds, but never a Coopers Hawk. I would like to wish you a very Happy New Years.

Anonymous said...

The hawk may take a starling, but not usually a house sparrow..I know how you felt. My neighbor said that a hawk came in and grabbed a cardinal...oh no.....

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Neat Kallen that you got a hawk picture.. Wonder if he'll come back now that he knows there are feeders close by???? I would have done the exact same thing to protect the woodpecker... Like you said, let's hope he just eats the 'trash birds.' ha

Hugs,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

I hope your hawk will hang around so you can get more hawk photos.

Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the Coops and making the ID.

Dawn Fine said...

Cool..a coopers looking for dinner at your feeders..but good thing you saved your little woodpecker.

Jayne said...

Nope, he can have all the doves and starlings and sparrows he wants, but I'd also draw the line at a woodpecker! :c)

Ruth said...

You had a fantasy about a hawk coming to your yard. If I was you I would quickly develop a fantasy of winning a million dollars. Pigeons and Juncos seem to be the easiest prey for these hawks, although I have seen one take a Cardinal.

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