Cooper's Hawk

What a interesting bird! I've seen hawks here swoop down and catch birds. It's an amazing sight!

Thanks for the research Paul. He's handsome (not if you're a small mammal . . ) - very like our Sparrowhawk.

Beautiful bird, some super images.

Glad you finally identified it. It certainly did have the look of a juvenile even if we didn't know what variety!
That last photo must have been a thrilling shot to take!

It was very interesting to see this. The last thing I would expect to see. I'm glad he also eats squirrels, mice & rats. Good boy!!

Thank you everybody for your comments.

We often have the Sparrow Hawks I have photos of them ,beautiful birds but not nice for the smaller birds they prey on ...

Glad you got the id sorted. it is a beautiful bird.
Raptors are amazing birds.

Oh, isn't he gorgeous? Lucky you! Will you tried to feed him to encourage him to stick around? I know I would!

It is a beautiful bird and your research is very interesting.The most interesting bird I have seen in the last few days has been a heron on our roof top looking to see what he could get eg the fish in the garden pond
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fabulous pics and very interesting.

Marjories: The hawks here also "dive bomb" the neighbor's fish ponds. The bright orange koi/gold fish are usually the first to go. It's an easy meal.

Waddy: They only eat live fresh meat. All I have to do is keep the bird feeder full. I would never try to get in his way or stop him.

Seaburngirl: This was an interesting and fun project. To learn about something new.

Amy: Would love to see your sparrow hawk pictures. I've seen him fly away with another bird in his talons. Not a pretty sight.

What a treat to have a visit from this stunning Hawk. :)

Hi Paul, I know its not good to see them catching their dinner but they are a beautiful bird aren't they, we do get the Sparrowhawks here, as said very like your bird but I also would never try to stop them, its survival of the fittest and natures way..

Surely there is some way of filling the bird feeders so that this horrible raptor cannot get at them ?

If you can think of one, please let me know.

I'll find one for you Paul ...

I've put a photo on for you Paul ,I have others showing the birds pinning blackbirds down in the kill ..

I have my huge English Yew & Junipers nearby that offer refuge for the little birds, but they have to be quick. Great photo Amy. Thanks for posting. You should write a blog..lol.

Lucky you....how exciting.

Beautiful images.

We once had a bird crash into a window . I thought it was from the Hawk family (fierce eyes, talons...) but my knowledgeable neighbour identified it as a cuckoo! Wish I'd photographed it.

Last year we had three buzzards often circling overhead (Mum, Dad Offspring?). I made sure the cat was indoors!!

Buzzards don't last long here - the rooks gang up and chase them away...

Beautiful photos Paul. We get Sparrow hawks here. They chase the Sparrows. We also have Buzzards flying overhead, and Peregrines on the local Mill building.
Carrion Crows mob the Buzzards as they fly across.

Thank you

Yes, as others have said.....he's very much like the SPARROWHAWK we see here. I most of us have seen a pile of pigeon/dove feathers on the ground and wondered how they got there. It is usually the work of the SPARROWHAWK. One flew out of my grasses in my back garden last summer and nearly flew into me. But, my walking out into the garden saved his prey that day

Hi Paul, I just dug my car out from under a huge snow drift. Yes, amazing how similar the two hawks are. It also resembles our Sharp Shinned Hawk which is much smaller.

The most notable differences between your Sparrow Hawk & the Cooper's Hawk is eye color, the Sparrow Hawk having bright gold eyes (see Amy's latest picture), the Cooper's Hawk has grayish/green eyes. Also, the color pattern on the chest is different, the Sparrow Hawk has horizontal striations while the Cooper's Hawk is more vertical. There are other subtle differences as well. Also, with the Cooper's Hawk, every other bird is on his menu, including; crows, blue jays, robins, finches & even seagulls. But the similarities are very striking as well.

I must admit, id not heard of a cooper's hawk before this post.
crikey, good luck in all that snow!

You and me both. I haven't seen or even heard of a Cooper's Hawk until this one landed in my boxwood hedge. He discovered all the activity around my bird feeder and found an easy meal.

Another really great blog Bathgate! Very interesting!

Thanks. This was a fun and interesting discovery. I couldn't keep it to myself. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I did indeed bg! ?