rangersteve

Early in February I photographed a young hawk perched on my ham radio antenna, and when I viewed the photos I saw that its abdomen had been pierced with a stick or arrow. Due to the location and extent of the wound, I didn't think the animal would survive. Today it again landed on my antenna, and it's plumage had matured to the point that I could tentatively identify it as a Coopers Hawk. They are hard to distinguish from the Sharp Shinned Hawk, but based on the size of the bird and the grey cap on the head, I believe to be a Coopers. I saw in the photo that the wound still existed, but was healing. The third photo, slightly out of focus, shows that the wound is not visible when in flight. The first photo was taken with a Nikon D810 using a Nikkor 24-120 mm f/4G VR lens with ISO 400, f/7.1, 1/200 sec at 120mm. The second and third pictures were taken with a Nikkor 80-200 mm f/2.8 lens with ISO 400, f/7.1, 1/1000 sec at 200 mm. All photos have been cropped to comply with size restrictions.

Juvenile Coopers Hawk with wound

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chaman

I wonder who was the a-hole who injured him....

rangersteve

Your right Chaman. But this is Nevada, and a lot of old school ranchers don't understand the role that these predators play in helping us to live in a healthy environment. Tonight I'll post a few more pics of these hard working rodent catchers doing their job.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Nice set and am glad the hawk survived. Hate to see them get injured or killed.

skeeth

Hear they taste just like chicken.

Geezer Bill Loc: San Diego County, CA

I think what you are seeing is the birds second foot. They often sit with one leg up. If you look at the shot of the bird in flight you will see both legs extended and no evidence of any wound or otherwise on the breast.

rangersteve

Geezer Bill, that's amazing! I didn't know they did that! You learn something new every day. Thanks for the heads up... or foots up. Here's a blow-up of the resting foot.

Geezer Bill Loc: San Diego County, CA

You are welcome. In a previous job I had I came in contact with several raptors along with other wildlife. Of course this was before I could afford to get into photography!! Such is life!