Juvenile Coopers Hawk

[Robert Strickland]

I went out to the backyard to take backyard bird photos. I was in my Shed, which I use for a blind. Being cold the birds were coming in to feed regularly. The Cardinals, Tufted Titmouse, Sparrows, Doves, Chickadee’s and some Squirrels were feeding quite undisturbed. Suddenly the birds exploded from their perches and swiftly flew away. The squirrels high tailed it to tim-buck-too. Normally something or someone spooked them. However nothing seemed to be amiss. In a few minutes the birds returned to my backyard feeding station to feed and drink from the bird bath.. The birds flew from the feeders to perches in the tree back and forth feeding, drinking and cleaning up under the feeders, Abruptly the birds burst out of area and I mean fast, like a lightening bolt. Unexpectedly A Juvenile Coopers Hawk made his presence landing on a brush pile. He looked perturbed that he did not catch anything for his lunch. He stared all around looking for a feast. He looked down in the brush as many birds seek refuge there. He actually disappeared into the brush to see if a small morsel could be found. He climbed all over the brush pile looking for a tidbit, Reluctantly finding nothing. He flew into the neighbors brush pile still looking for something to eat. Find nothing he flew up to some branches to study the situation. Finally understanding that he missed out on lunch in my backyard he flew off to another. Apparently he was in the area when the birds first disappeared. I just did not see him.
It was perfect for me as I was already setup taking photos of the birds coming and going from the feeders. The Coopers Hawk gave me a wonderful photo opportunity and I took it.