Backyard Terror Returns (picture thread now)

[Rob'in'To]

Same time as last year, and the year before.  A Sharp-shinned Hawk is visiting the backyard once again.





I wasn't ready for this when he suddenly went after a Pigeon...

[Rob'in'To]

He went after the Pigeon because a bit earlier, having spooked every bird on the property, one of the Pigeons making a get-away struck the upstairs window of the house next door.  It spiraled to the ground and was stunned.  There was enough minutes from the window strike to when the Hawk went after him, that he got his bearings and was able to put up enough fight and get away.  It was something to see as they battled at the back of the house and then up around between the two houses.

[Napper]

Very Nice, love the Bug eye look

We have Coopers hawks usually a new pair every fall.

Napper

[Rob'in'To]

Thanks Napper!

There has been a Coopers Hawk coming around again too.  Usually see the raptors more often once the snow hits.  A mating pair of Red-tails visit in February where the male takes out the Pigeons and offers it to the female.  I've witnessed this a couple times.  She feasts on the bird carcass and the male would fly in, tear off a piece and take it to a branch to eat.  Kinda like "Lady and the Tramp".

[Rob'in'To]

He's been making semi-regular appearances in the past week.  Today I woke up to hear the Red-breasted Nuthatches just having a complete freak out.  And here is the reason why...





Pretty sure he caught a Downy Woodpecker judging by the black and white feathers.

I first noticed him at the far end of the yard with the kill.  And when he noticed me, he brought it right up over my head...  to show me?  He's one very vocal Hawk too with all these funny chirp noises.



Meal done, time for a clean up.

[Rob'in'To]

If he continues to hang around, I may add to this posting with future adventures.

[mr.sharp-photo]

i've seen peregrine falcons make almost cat-like mewling noises before. kind of funny to see them talk.

i think its cool that you have a hawk in your back yard. your birds? they probably disagree.

[Rob'in'To]

I enjoy his bold attitude, coming from the smaller species.  The Coopers and Red-tails bolt at first sight.

Wasn't too happy about taking out a Woodpecker when there are dozens of House Sparrows, dozens of Starlings and just as many of the two put together with Grackles still lingering (waiting out the bad weather?).

Indeed strange noises from some of these birds of prey.

[Rob'in'To]

Hawk was out there much of the morning while I was home.  I watched him chase the Sparrows a few times from the kitchen window.  And of course I went out for a better look of this character.  He landed on the birdhouse about 10 feet from me at one point, it was brief mind you, like 15 seconds or so, but that's pretty freakin' close.  I couldn't focus on him with the 150-500mm, so I just watched.  

First view today from the back deck...



While waiting for lunch, takes the time out to stretch...

[Rob'in'To]

Sharpie disappeared for a couple weeks but has now returned.  Of course Common Redpolls showed up at the nyjer feeders the same day of his return.  And he's made this past weekend of counting birds for "Project Feederwatch" almost zero for all the species we normally get.  Bad Hawk!

[cairnstone]

Great photos. I have a Sharpie here too that will disappear for a week or two at a time, but always returns. The Cooper's Hawks are my backyard mainstay.

[Fire0725]

I am SOOO jealous of you! Those are amazing shots of such an awesome visitor!!

Mind if I ask roughly what area you're in? Did you do something specific to attract him? you're incredibly lucky to have such a great photo opp in your own backyard!!

[Rob'in'To]

Thanks.  

Let's see...  have bird feeder and small birds, surely a Hawk will come, especially in the winter.

It's great on one hand to have a Hawk around, if you don't mind them.  I've never had such great views and close encounters with any Hawk except for this guy.  He's a real character!  The fact of how bold he is blows my mind.  So much attitude for such a small bird.  The bigger Hawks always jet upon sight of any people.

Unfortunately with this guy around, he did scare off a small flock of Evening Grosbeaks that were visiting us...  and they never came back.  And late last week a small flock of Common Redpolls arrived, once again, Sharp-shin was here and spooked them to who knows where.

Its a real mixed bag of emotions when he flies up to you with his meal clutched in his talons, that after some research, one deciphers it was a Black-capped Chickadee.  A little bird that was probably born in a bird house on my property.  Never had Chickadees in the neighbourhood until a few years back when a pair showed up, and successfully.  And did so again last Spring.

I volunteer with Project Feeder Watch for Bird Studies Canada and he's made my count days pretty lame.

But in the end, it's all part of nature, and a blessing to be able to witness such things from the comforts of home...  stuff it's just pure luck to stumble upon in the wild.  I do what I can to give the small birds cover and quick escapes from the feeders when he shows up, but sometimes he's just a bit quicker (and hungrier).

[Photoman]

Sweet shots Rob.

[Irene]

Great shots and story with them. Sometimes it is nice to watch how they hunt after all it is nature! That why we love it so much!