Here is why the number of birds in my yard is down...when the hawk is close the birds are gone from the feeders. The coopers and the sharp shinned hawks are close in appearance/ take your pick.. Coopers or sharp shinned hawk ( photo / image / picture from Sherry8's Garden ) Coopers/or sharp shinned hawk ( photo / image / picture from Sherry8's Garden ) Coopers or sharp shinned hawk ( photo / image / picture from Sherry8's Garden ) Coopers or sharp shinned hawk ( photo / image / picture from Sherry8's Garden )
Fantastic shots Sherry! I've noticed the bird numbers are WAY down around here. I haven't even seen the Hawk's lately.
We have all sizes here...last week I had a large one (the largest I have ever had in the yard) sit on the bird bath and I didn't have time to open the window and he flew on the ground after a sparrow. It was breathtaking when he opened his large wings..
We see hawks soaring in the sky around here frequently. Whenever we hear the Blue Jays squawking, we look to see if a Hawk is in the vicinity...I guess they've got to eat too. They strike terror in the area when they come around!
I have mixed feelings about the abundance of hawks in our neighborhood. I love to see them and I feel a sense of awe when they fly and swoop. I also love to hear the shree sound they make, but I love my little birds too. I've found the remains of doves and other wildlife in my yard and that makes me sad.
Sherry your photographs are outstanding. I especially like the second one where the hawk has focused his gaze on something. I have sparrowhawks that visit my garden daily and take a fair proportion of 'my' little birds. I can't really blame them for finding the garden a good place to eat but I hate finding the remains of their meals scattered around.
Hawks have really adapted to civilization. At my local Shoprite grocery store, I came out a few weeks ago to see a large hawk sitting atop the line of shopping carts. He was not very wary of all the bustle around him. I mentioned it to a store employee taking a break, and he said the hawk visits often. It's easy-pickins for him to scoop up the small sparrows that fly in to gather crumbs under the shopping cart area.
