Two nights ago, this beauty made a comeback. The camera was not positioned right but I still thought it was fun to see :D It always seems to show up in April, so hopefully there will be more sightings. We certainly have enough rodents for it.
This hawk was in an oak tree outside my backyard fence this morning. I tried taking a photo through the storm door because it was raining. But some leaves were covering the head of the hawk, so I made a hasty waterproof cover for my camera and went out into the rain to get some photos. I think that this is a Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) based on its size, but it could be a sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus). I'm basically guessing between the two they look so much alike.
Among the bird world’s most skillful fliers, Cooper’s Hawks are common woodland hawks that tear through cluttered tree canopies in high-speed pursuit of other birds. … With their smaller lookalike, the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawks make for famously tricky identifications. Both species are sometimes unwanted guests at bird feeders, looking for an easy meal (but not one of sunflower seeds).
Fascinating and heartbreaking article about the akikiki birds that are close to extinction who were bravely defended from the fires in Hawaii. It’s a gift link, so you should be able to read the whole thing.
Please spread the word about this and help everybody in Hawaii if you can—both people and birds!
It's Puff Grack season! I love the Grackles, and about a week after their arrival they have started to show off. Please enjoy the Grack Waltz! (Unmute for max fun!)