This past Sunday evening was pleasant outside, so I sat down on the deck for a few minutes just to enjoy the weather and the backyard birds at the feeders. I had my camera in hand just in case of a cool moment. And what do you know!? A cool moment! This large Cooper’s Hawk flew in like a silent lightning bolt, perched for about three seconds, looking directly at our feeder for a quick bird meal, then just as quickly flew off. I had just enough time to take this shot.
Making hawk distinctions can be difficult, but I think the large head, the black cap, the red eyes, and the prominent white tip of the striped tail are enough to call it a Cooper’s Hawk.
Way cool and what a great capture for so little setup time. You do a fantastic job with your photography. He’s a beauty too.
Have a terrific day. Big hug to you and Princess Gail. 🙂
I just happened to have camera in hand. It was a very fortunate opportunity! He IS a beauty, isn’t he? 🙂
Ack, everytime I want to comment on somebody’s blog post, somebody else has already said what I want to say. And they’ve usually worded it better.
Your birding photos are amazing! 🙂
Yet I’m always glad for your visit and your comments, Kayla! Thank you!
And you know how much I love your photos and posts of places of interest, historical spots, plaques, bike travels, …
Seriously, are you a professional photographer? Because you should be. I always see such incredible photos here – and this is yet another amazing picture!
Ha! No, Meleah. I have a very good camera, and these are very photogenic subjects. I try to catch them in good light and with good backgrounds. And I usually have to take about a hundred pictures for one good one. This shot of the hawk was just a lucky shot. But thanks! 🙂
Amazing shot Ferd! I know how flighty birds can be 😉
You know it! Even with good equipment it is difficult because they are so flighty! They won’t let you get close and they don’t hold a pose. And that’s why I love it when I can get a good shot.
Dawn, I can’t wait to receive my copy of your book! Wow!!!
And BTW, would you go to gravatar dot com and sign up so your picture comes up with your comments? 🙂
What an awesome picture! You really caught his attitude.
He was really focused on the birds at the feeder. I would like him to take as many grackles as he wants! LOL
When I visit your blog, I have to wonder if I’m in the Internet or viewing gorgeous photos on National Geographic! We have stunning red tailed hawks whose fav pasttime is to keep an eye on our chickens.
Oh, my! You probably have to do all sorts of things to keep your chickens safe from predators.
LOL about the National Geographic comment. I wish!
Though I have decided to add a copyright label to the pix of which I’m most proud, like this one.