Ups and Downs – Part One
Last Sunday was an up and down day for me in various ways.
As always I filled all the feeders to my birds that are usually waiting for me. The day was clear and kind of cool, I went and started setting up my camera and lens etc. when I looked outside and I see a large figure on the deck railing.
It was a Cooper’s Hawk. I started shooting with excitement and trying to do the best of the situation, the hawk kept moving around the deck checking for movement with those piercing eyes.
After a while a car went by on the street and spooked the hawk and flew toward the huge oak tree all the way to the top.
Only feathers remained
That’s when I went around looking for any casualties, unfortunately there was one, a mourning dove the only traces were the feathers which I immediately picked up because I don’t like the sight of it.
I totally understand nature and I respect the wilderness laws of survival, but still feel a bit uncomfortable about it.
This Cooper’s Hawk species is a gorgeous looking bird from any angle, but deadly for the small birds.
I know that I’ll be seeing more of the hawks because there are many Mourning Doves lately, they’re easy target and make a perfect meal for a raptor.
This post will continue tomorrow do not miss it!
Text and photographs © H.J. Ruiz – Avian 101
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
Great shots – but sad about the dove 😦 I have cockateils in a cage by a big window, and a hawk recently landed on the deck railing right outside the window to check them out, causing a panic! He took off before I could try to get a shot of him!
Just keep your window shut Lynda. They are predators looking for a meal. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Wonderful shots of the Cooper’s Hawk, H.J.
Thank you Bob! 🙂
Beautiful shots, H.J.! I do feel sorry for the dove, but a hawk’s gotta eat, and the dove’s standard MO is to stay still, blend in with the scenery, and nobody will notice – except that doesn’t work with hawk-eyes. In my yard, when I see a pile of feathers I hope it’s been the local Cooper’s and not a feral cat. Earlier this year after I counted 20+ doves in my yard, I felt a little better about losing a few.
You’re absolutely right about that Lisa, besides they eat so much that make them a bit clumsy for a quick fly start.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Great pictures.
Thanks Tom! 🙂
Excellent shots HJ
Thank you Christine! 🙂
Lucky you! I’d love to have a cooper’s hawk arrive on my deck. Those are fantastic photographs!
Thank you! 🙂
He’s spectacularly beautiful!
Yes indeed Russ! 🙂
I know what you mean about nature’s way and it sometimes isn’t a comfortable feeling to me either. But I must say, I love your photos, he is a striking bird, but quite intimidating for sure!
Thank you for your comment Donna! The bird is gorgeous! 🙂
Wonderful photos.
Thanks a lot! 🙂