... I was getting ready to take a walk noticed this drama unfolding...check the upper branches and you will see a hawk acting very calm and cool while down on the lower branch and to the left of the shot is the scared motionless prey-
I knew this squirrel was in imminent danger...I snapped off a few photos and he stayed as quiet as a church mouse---the alert hawk knew I was there but it didn't seem to bother him.....OK IT was very hard to decide if this is a sharpie or a coopers I went with Coopers the field guide says look for a larger head and longer tail...this tail seems pretty long to me but If I'm wrong set me straight--
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| Accipiter cooperii |
With eyes this large I'm sure he can spot a dime on the ground...
and with a beak like this one, this male can do some damage ---
He continued to wait patiently for me to leave so he could attack....
In the END I stayed until the hawk gave up the stand off and flew away and the squirrel lived to gather acrons another day--
* * *
Heres the link to the NEW WORLD BIRD WEDNESDAY site..its a super effort by the creator Springman and everyone who contributes--
He's a magnificent bird. Hungry too! Someday you must teach me how to get bird pictures so clear.
ReplyDeleteWow!! What a great series. Aren't those eyes something? Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteGreat series of hawk shots, a pity the first photo is missing.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of a stunning bird.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly looks every inch the hunter.
Beautiful bird! Glad the squirrel survived (at least this round!)
ReplyDeleteThose are SUCH good pictures ... so clear. What a hooded, evil eye look that bird has!!! The very first picture (of the squirrel?) was unavailable?? Lucky squirrel you provided a bit of distraction.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the Hawk. I'm glad you stayed until it left!
ReplyDeleteStunning eyes on a beautiful Hawk. Mr Squirrel was very lucky that day.
ReplyDeleteAwesome photos!
ReplyDeleteTerrific shots of the hawk! I agree it looks like a Cooper's. Glad you had pity on the squirrel. Nature can run its course when we are not looking, right?
ReplyDeleteHmm I see the photo but I will try to rig it up somehow--(yikes)
ReplyDeleteGreat series, sharp and clear, the squirrel is cute but the hawk needs to eat.
ReplyDeleteSondra! Did you climb the tree to get that close? This is incredible picture taking. As you said, don't you love it when a picture tells a story? Answer, YES! And as amazing as the closeups are the first shot of the hawk eyeing the squirrel tells an epic tale. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, did I notice something a little different in your header photo? Something in the lens maybe? Was that there before?
ReplyDeleteThat is a great series of the Coopers. You really got some great shot of the preditor.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that it is a Cooper's. Sharpies are much smaller. Super clear shots of this very good-looking bird!
ReplyDeleteThanks for answering my question about how to post videos.
great post and photos - don't you love watching stuff like that? very cool :) (i'm glad the squirrel was okay)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great set of pictures! Just see the bird would be a highlight - but to get these images as well - just splendid!
ReplyDeleteStewart M - Australia
Really like those red eyes!
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of hunter vs. prey! I'm glad to hear the squirrel escape, but if he's gotta be caught, I'd rather the Cooper's got him than the neighbor's cat!
ReplyDeleteDidn't you capture this magnificent bird nicely!! Wow! I've never had such a photo opportunity before. ~karen
ReplyDeleteSpringman..Yes its always been there its only visible to the people who are detail oriented--lol
ReplyDeleteNow the cat's outta the bag-
Joyce(granny) its hit n miss...I have about 20 shots from that same Hawk sighting that are horrible--if the bird co-operates and gets into the sunlight it really HELPS!
ReplyDeleteHey Gypsy Girl! Those are great shots. -- and a fine example of patience on the part of prey, raptor, and photographer. Wonderful photo essay.
ReplyDeleteWonderful real moments, than k you.
ReplyDeletebeautiful shots. I think it is pretty rare they stay put so long.
ReplyDeleteYou really got great clear close shots! The squirrel looks petrified!So glad you were his angel that day.I love hawks,I didn`t realize how colorful their eyes are,phylliso
ReplyDeleteThose photos are AMAZING! Tucker could use his help with the squirrels in our yard. LOL
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos of the Coopers! The closeups are just fantastic.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievably excellent shots of, yes, a Cooper's Hawk. The large head with the distinct dark crown separate this bird from the Sharp-shinned Hawk.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post and the composition of that first shot with the squirrel is great. The portrait shot is my favorite though. This is the photo they should use on bird ID sights for this species!
All shots are fantastic but the capture on top is amazing! Both hawk and squirrel in just one photo, wow!
ReplyDeleteMore incredible bird shots! I always look forward to your pictures.
ReplyDeleteJust to echo everyone else's comments- Wow! Great photos.
ReplyDeleteStunning series of photos, especially those shots showing the hawks eyes.
ReplyDelete