pianist38 Loc: Nebraska

The Cooper's hawk, that is.

He landed on the deck railing right beside the bird feeder, and waiting silently, moving very little, obviously hoping some oblivious little songbird would make the error of landing nearby.

The blue jays had seen him, and were in surrounding trees screaming their heads off. Now and then the hawk tipped his head back and opened his beak in an exhibit of aggression, clearly informing the blue jays that he was bigger and tougher, and they'd just better keep their distance. He made no noise at all during this display.

It was a cold, cold day, and he stood on one leg with the other tucked up in his feathers, except for when he gave his head a thorough scratching.

And then a bald eagle flew over, low, and away went the Cooper's hawk.

(33 photos)

#1


#2


#3


#4


#5


#6


#7


#8


#9


#10


#11


#12


#13


#14


#15


#16


#17


#18


#19


#20


#21


#22


#23


#24


#25


#26


#27


#28


#29


#30


#31


#32


#33

Dan L Loc: Wisconsin

Excellent series!

pianist38 Loc: Nebraska

Thank you, Dan! I added a few more, if you'd like to take a look. :)

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Holy WOW Sarah!!! What a great post. How cool that had to be! Very awesome to see.
Erv

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Great shots of a very handsome bird. W :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

pianist38 Loc: Nebraska

Thanks, Erv! Yes... he was so much fun to watch, Victoria and I let the scrumptious pancakes Larry was making get lukewarm, we were so busy snapping photos.

pianist38 Loc: Nebraska

Thanks, Indi! I agree, they are handsome birds ... I just wish they didn't think the pretty little songbirds are snacks!

FrodoBaggins Loc: Texas

Super series! Until I went back and read that no sound was made I thought that the hawk thought he was Luciano Pavarotti!

Tai Chi Loc: Virginia

What a great series! Stupendous! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Carolina Wings Loc: Flew from North Carolina to Pennsylvania

WOW Sarah...amazing series...I believe you've made a friend of this Juvanile Cooper :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Cassy Loc: New England

GREAT Set of Shots. I love the ones of him singing. Oh heck I love them all.

angela k Loc: Long Island

Awesome series, Sarah!!
looks like he's singing opera in some shots!
Excellent captures and enjoyed them all!!!

Morrisdh Loc: Pisgah Alabama

A great set, love close ups of it's eye. Thanks for sharing. mdh

Fullframe Loc: Bucks County, Pennsylvania

#7 looks like my wife. Awesome shots.

pianist38 Loc: Nebraska

hee hee, Michael. Yeah, he looked like he was really going at it. I wondered what in the world was up with the miming -- until I realized he was doing it in response to the screeching of the blue jays. :)