Our Sharp-shinned Hawk

[Rob'in'To]

"Shirley" is over-wintering with us once again, and longer than usual this time around (weather related I suspect).  She's a bit of a freak, quite unique in my opinion as no other Hawk have I encountered acts as she does.  She's very bold, doesn't spook by human presence, and occasionally parades her kills to me, flying out of hiding with a bird in her talons and landing over my head.  She vocalizes at times which is pretty neat too.  I've never had such close up views of a Sharp-shin, or hear one chatter away like she can.

This past Sunday she was on the hunt, and some 5 hours later, I stepped outside to hear the sounds of some very pissed off Chickadees.  I found Shirley on her prep-block under a canopy of cedar trees next door working away at a ?  I love this bird, watching her in action and the stories she's created for me to share with friends.

[mr.sharp-photo]

she's saying "you're next, dude"

[gary yankech]

great shot! though a bit gruesome.

[Hunter]

Fantastic photo.

[Brian Bailey]

Your Sharp-shinned, but her lunch!

That behavior makes me wonder if she spent some time in captivity:  either as a chick or a rescue following an injury.  A pretty cool visitor no matter what her history.

BB

[Rob'in'To]

Thanks for enjoying Shirley!  I know a few who just despise Hawks overall and can't get past them eating other birds.  

She was here yesterday, sitting on the fence for a bit.  One of the Squirrels was going at the bungee corn cob feeder near her.  He's jumping on it, bouncing and swinging away, getting his kernels, not caring about her presence.  And she's sitting there, looking at him, twisting her head from one side to the other, kinda like a "what the heck are you doing?" look.  I should have stepped out back and tried for a pic or video but I was enjoying the show from the window with that first morning coffee.

One would think she's had some human interaction but ya, nobody will know for certain.  I like to think she feels the vibe in our backyard.   I mean if a strange Pigeon can fly in one day and hop in our laps during morning coffee without any enticement, surely Shirley is sensing something cool here too.

[Brian Bailey]

You're the bird whisperer!

BB

Sent from my birdroid using Tapatalk.

[Rob'in'To]

LoL!  It must be the hair.  

[Irene]

Beautiful shot and story, if she was in rescue would they not have banded her?

[MEGHAN]

LoL!  It must be the hair.  

It sends out waves of calming vibes.
Nice winter visitor. Hopefully Pierre stays safe.

[Rob'in'To]

I don't know if they band all rescues or not.  She flies like a champ.  I've seen her in action here and sometimes zipping over the yard after something across the street.

Pierre is well Meghan, he was here Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  He's a skittish guy right now, even though I don't think Shirley could do much to him (but he's not convinced).  The Cooper's and 2 Red-tails don't help matters.  I'm surprised Pierre and his mates still come to visit.  Although sometimes its a week or so from one visit to the next.  Gotta respect them for being survivors.  It's a wild world out there and this past winter really put the creatures to the test.