Tag Archives: Cooper’s Hawk

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Craig Tooley spotted this beautiful hawk recently. We first thought it was a Sharp-shinned Hawk but it turns out the experts agree it's a Cooper's Hawk.

Here's what the Cornell Lab of Ornithology says about these hawks:

"Among the bird world’s most skillful fliers, Cooper’s Hawks are common woodland hawks that tear through cluttered tree canopies in high speed pursuit of other birds. You’re most likely to see one prowling above a forest edge or field using just a few stiff wingbeats followed by a glide. With their smaller lookalike, the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawks make for famously tricky identifications. Both species are sometimes unwanted guests at bird feeders, looking for an easy meal (but not one of sunflower seeds)." Yes, they eat smaller birds.

To hear their call, here is the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Coopers_Hawk/sounds

It's not a musical call, is it?  Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.ruffimage.com

Feels like a storm is coming in this afternoon!

 

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When Craig Tooley has time to roam the Mendonoma coast, great photos are sure to come in. Here is a Cooper's Hawk.

Craig noticed this White-tailed Hawk soaring through the sky.

And, finally, a magnificent Red-tailed Hawk.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: www.ruffimage.com

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This time of year you are more likely to see a beautiful Cooper's Hawk. Craig Tooley recently spotted a young one, a juvenile, flying over The Sea Ranch, and Craig always has his camera at the ready!

Cooper's Hawks are amazing fliers. They prey on medium-sized birds, so sometimes one will perch near a bird feeder. If that happens to you, take the bird feeder down for a day or two. The male Cooper's Hawk is smaller than the female, which can work to his disadvantage if he resembles a medium-sized bird!

Their call is a "cak-cak-cak" which you can listen to at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology link: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Coopers_Hawk/sounds

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com

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Jackie Brewer noticed the it first. She and Paul were  having lunch on their deck when she saw this young hawk. Paul grabbed his camera and got this photo of the moment the bird was launching itself - a juvenile Cooper's hawk. Perhaps it has spotted something to eat, perhaps a small bird, as that eye looks very determined.

immature-red-shouldered-hawk-by-paul-brewer

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

To hear the call of this beautiful hawk, here's a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Coopers_Hawk/sounds

I originally had this hawk identified as a Red-shouldered hawk. Mark Moore was nice enough to contact me so I could get this ID correct. Thank you, Mark!

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I'll let John Batchelder tell the story:

“I was actually shooting several whales having what I thought at the time was a feeding frenzy, when the hawk landed right in front of me. Just dumb luck. I can’t tell you how many times I have tried to capture a shot of most likely this same bird only to end up with nothing, a blur, or a lousy picture that mainly features someone’s roof.”

Coopers Hawk

Several years ago John caught one taking flight.

Cooper's Hawk by John Batchelder

They are beautiful birds, but hard to photograph as John will tell you!

Thanks to John for allowing me to share his photos with you here.