Coopers Hawks...

[CaraRose]

So, it was all rainy and dreary today and I'm bummed because, well, its Saturday and I want to be out shooting... especially since I have to send the 50-500mm back Monday (*SOB*).

Around oneish, the rain finally clears so I headed to the nature center.

I walked the loop once and checked out the Cooper's Hawk nest. After seeing the pair a few weeks ago I hadn't seen them since. So as I'm looking up one of them comes flying in with a stick. Got about a dozen shots of its tail, LOL, before getting a glimpse of the head.



So, then later I come around a bend and see this fellow.





















As I'm taking the above shots, this one's mate comes fluttering over and lands in the edge of the pond.





By the time I left it was all blue skys and sunny. LOL, sort of like my mood.

[ksbryan0]

Great images, Cara. Loks like he enjoyed that meal.. Glad your day took a turn for the better!

[SARtech]

Nice series Cara.

[Singletracklovr]

Nice Series Cara.
For some reason I thought hawks swallowed mice whole, I guess that isn't the case.

[CaraRose]

Nice Series Cara.
For some reason I thought hawks swallowed mice whole, I guess that isn't the case.

Red Tails do. I guess these guys are a little too small for that

[scott-devon]

Beautiful shots Cara, I saw a small hawk fly over this morning and spent the day out with the camera hoping...but never saw a single hawk.

Next time maybe.

[Eric D]

Cooper's Hawk has such cool eyes!! Nice captures....mouse is a bonus!!

[paulnj]

What a gold mine that nest is. Just be very careful not to stress them too much.

[CaraRose]

What a gold mine that nest is. Just be very careful not to stress them too much.

They're pretty far up. The nest shot is at 500mm, taken from the trail. This is at least their second year there, so they're probably used to the human traffic. This one didn't seem to pay much attention to me, but then again, they're not on eggs yet.

A older fellow I talked to a few weeks ago told me last year one of them swooped down and knocked his hat off. So either his hat looked like food or they do get more protective once they've got youngins to look after.

[mn shutterbug]

Way to go. These are probably your best that I've seen.

[paulnj]

yes, they will attack at times . Be thankful it isn't goshawks which go for your face when you get too close.

[Loupey]

Great find and nicely captured!

My favorite is #6.