Coopers Hawk in Nest

[Charline]

I have been watching this hawk nest since mid-May. In the past, I could only see a motionless tail, including yesterday evening.


Today, the female bird was moving and make calls. I wonder if a baby has hatched.


Could it be?

https://charline.pixels.com/featured/coopers-hawk-incubating-eggs-charline-xia.html

[Dinusaur]

Yes a possibility. If the eggs were laid in early May, it is about time that they hatch and another 30 days before they fledge. You might be in for a good show from the youngsters. I have a Merlin pair nesting near my house - I see them off and on when I go out for a walk. They are very vocal when the fly - so it is easy to spot.

[Charline]

Yes, Dinu, I am looking forward to seeing the whole family!

Here is today's update - At 10:50 am, the male hawk was chasing some smaller birds about a few minutes away from the nest. I assumed that food would be delivered to the nest soon.

When I arrived at the nest, the female was sitting motionlessly. I could not even see her.

I was sitting under a big tree, a robin pooped on my pants and backpack, yikes!

Nothing happened until 12:20 pm. The male came to a nearby tree and said hello to his wife. She responded very briefly. I only managed to photograph a part of the body of the male. Then he flew away.

At 1 pm, the female stretched and preened a bit then took a peek at me: https://charline.pixels.com/featured/coopers-hawk-looking-down-from-nest-charline-xia.html


Then all went quiet.

Due to the lack of food delivery, I don't think the chicks were hatched.

[Charline]

It was very difficult to photograph the babies, they were hiding deeply in the high nest and popping their heads out very rarely. The tree branches made it very hard to get a focus.


It looked like this one was about two-week old because it had mostly white down feathers.
https://charline.pixels.com/featured/coopers-hawk-nestlings-charline-xia.html


The mom hawk was posing nicely while watching the babies.
[/size]https://charline.pixels.com/featured/coopers-hawk-stretching-charline-xia.html[/color]

[Ally]

It was very difficult to photograph the babies, they were hiding deeply in the high nest and popping their heads out very rarely. The tree branches made it very hard to get a focus.


It looked like this one is about two-week old because it had mostly white down feathers.
https://charline.pixels.com/featured/coopers-hawk-nestlings-charline-xia.html


The mom hawk was posing nicely while watching the babies.
https://charline.pixels.com/featured/coopers-hawk-stretching-charline-xia.html

How cute!! Great pix

[Charline]

Thanks Ally!

Could anyone tell the age of the babies?

[aviator]

On my street in Etobicoke a merlin pair had a nest with 5 chicks. During the high wind event last weekend the nest was destroyed and the chicks fell to the ground. I came upon one that was being blown down the street with a parent following and calling to it. With a neighbour we collected 4 of them, called Toronto Wildlife who sent out a team to replace the nest. 2 were added back, 2 were taken to TW and one did not survive. The parents returned  and resumed parenting. Brilliant work by TW.

[Charline]

Aviator, thanks for sharing your story! I am glad to know that the majority chicks were saved.

[Dinusaur]

Wonderful story indeed and thanks for providing the helping hand. Those Toronto Wildlife guys are awesome; I remember reading about their effort last year in putting wayward Red-tailed fledglings back to tree branches somewhere around Queen's Park. I have a nest of a pair of Merlin in my neighborhood - they seem to be doing ok so far it seems.

[Charline]

The young hawks are branching!


https://charline.pixels.com/featured/young-coopers-hawks-charline-xia.html

[Ally]

The young hawks are branching!


https://charline.pixels.com/featured/young-coopers-hawks-charline-xia.html

Cool pixes!!

[Charline]

Thanks, Ally!


Look at what they were doing today!


Time flies.


https://charline.pixels.com/featured/coopers-hawk-fledgling-flapping-wings-charline-xia.html

[Ally]

Thanks, Ally!


Look at what they were doing today!


Time flies.


https://charline.pixels.com/featured/coopers-hawk-fledgling-flapping-wings-charline-xia.html

And he is too!!

[Charline]

You are right, Ally!


Here is another one.


https://fineartamerica.com/featured/coopers-hawk-fledgling-hopping-charline-xia.html

[Ally]

Wow! I have never seen a hawk's nest, thanks for sharing.