Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Cooper's Hawk

A Cooper's hawk landed on a neighbor's fence post again. They seem to like this spot to watch for prey at my bird feeders and another neighbor's yard that has a lot of shrubs and trees that the birds use for shelter.

It was a freezing cold day, the wind was blowing and there were snow flurries.

It stayed for a few minutes and kept alternating feet, I assume trying to keep them warm.

Such beautiful creatures!

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a special treat. I love it when these hawks lift their legs up as if they are excited and flinching to go in a particular direction.

Gail said...

Robin,

They are beautiful creatures! Is the photo from the new camera? We have a red tailed hawk who regularly flies over and lands in the Lighting Struck Oak Tree in the wayback! It is marvelous to watch him glide in over the feeders~~

Gail

Diane said...

I don't think I've ever seen this bird before! He's very handsome - but not friendly looking, at all! This is all so fascinating!Thank you, Robin :)

beckie said...

Robin, he looks as if he is posing for you. They are such regal creatures, beautiful and proud. Thanks for sharing.

Happy Holidays!

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

Great shots of a magnificent bird, Robin. I can see how much the wind was blowing by its feathers going all over the place. In the Dutch countryside there are quite a few birds of prey. I see them regularly but so far have been unable to capture them with my camera.

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

Wow, Robin. I see these guys flying around but they've never perched around our feeders. What a beautiful bird! Photos from your new camera?

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Natural Moments, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! Your blog is amazing!

Gail, I did take these with the new camera. Considering the dreary weather conditions that day, I think they turned out OK especially since I haven't quite got the camera figured out yet.

Diana, you're welcome! They are very handsome birds. I don't mind if they clear out the starlings or sparrows, but I hold my breath when I see them because I only have a couple of cardinals and I don't want it to get them. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment!

Becky, he actually seemed to be posing. He was in the tree farther away and flew to this spot even though he had to have seen me outside. Usually when I step outside they quickly fly away.

YE, the wind was blowing pretty hard, and since it was so cold he had his feathers all fluffed out. He was beautiful!

Robin's Nesting Place said...

The Giraffe Head Tree: These are from the new camera!

garden girl said...

Beautiful photos Robin! They are majestic, beautiful creatures.

Mary said...

Beautiful bird! Beautiful photo! Gray days are very hard on photos. These are great.

Anonymous said...

Great shots Robin! I keep forgetting my camera when the Hawks happen to visit my yard. Are you having fun with the new camera? ;)

Patricia said...

Wow!!! Gorgeous bird and photos! Hawks are so difficult to get close to. Guess who made an appearance on Pollywog Creek this morning? The sparrows. =)

Anonymous said...

Love your photos, Robin! We have a resident Cooper's hawk here at Hawk's Haven, and some years, a pair. We love them!

F Cameron said...

Oh how gorgeous! Hawks are just amazing!

We have a nest every year of Red-tailed. We love to watch them ride the thermals up in the sky.


Cameron

Sherri said...

Robin, what a beautiful Cooper Hawk! Great pics!

Kylee Baumle said...

They ARE beautiful birds. I have never seen one in person, but I'm sure they're here. We see hawks all the time, but not close enough to tell just what kind they are, except for the red-tailed. Maybe someday! You've got some great shots of yours!

Jan said...

Wow--what terrific photos of the red tailed hawk. I have them here, and have captured them with my camera, but haven't managed to get such great shots as you have. What I have managed to get hasn't come out clear and I haven't been able to get close enough to them. I know I need a higher mm lens, but I also know that won't be happening any time soon:(
Anyway...more GREAT photos!