This is the 4th year the Coopers have nested in the ravine, and this year the nest is closer to me than ever, estimated 100 feet away very high in a tall & skinny Manitoba maple. The chicks have been enjoying their vegetated ravine & only emerged for viewing recently--a week ago. There are 2 (unless another sibling is hiding somewhere, but I don't think so). There's a bit of sibling rivalry, not that I'm surprised, just haven't seen it before. They've discovered the bird bath. Today one lay in the water for at least half an hour--that's one way to beat the heat.
I had a strange experience about 9:30. I went out on the 2nd floor deck to see if there were any bats and a rather large bird flew at me & then perched on the roof. I looked at it for some time--couldn't establish much except it was large. It hooted at me--a soft sound something like that made by a loon chick. Then it flew at me. Both times it flew at me the beating sound of its wings was loud. I decided it didn't need me upsetting it & went in after the 2nd pass. Not sure what it was--it seemed kind of dark for the hawks to be out, & I don't think an owl's wings would have beat so loudly--don't know about the hawks.
I also have woodpecker (downy), house sparrows, cardinals, goldfinch, robin, chickadee. Mustn't forget the regulars.
