Sunday, December 27, 2020

Hawk on My Balcony Railing

This hawk actually posed for me, turning his head in all directions while I clicked away with my camera. He is either a Coopers Hawk or a Sharp-shinned Hawk. I sent this photo to Cornell Lab to help me identify him correctly. Have a great lazy weekend. xo

9 comments:

Mama Pea said...

GREAT picture, Rosemary! Please keep him in your neighborhood and away from our poultry. ;o)

Pam said...

What a beautiful photo! I've never seen this color on a hawk before--almost bluish on his back. We have mostly red tail hawks in our area. In the warmer weather, it isn't unusual to see them drop to the ground, then lift up to the air with a small snake hanging from their beak. At this time of the year, they feed on mice, so we're happy to have them near our old barn.

Lisa D. said...

Oh my - he's certainly beautiful. Great picture, Rosemary. You certainly have a lot of bird visitors. His feathers look almost blue in the light.

HalfmoonLilli said...

I think it’s a sharp shinned but look forward to hearing the Cornell ID. I

Content in a Cottage said...

HalfmoonLili :: The Sharp-Shinned was my second choice for identifying this hawk. I have two bird books, Peterson and Smithsonian, but I just couldn't decide. Cornell is closed until after the New Year so we'll have to wait for their answer. Thanks for your comment.
xo, Rosemary

Content in a Cottage said...

lisa -- His feathers have a lot of blue, especially in the shoulder area. I hope he was looking for mice rather than the birds at my feeder.
xo, Rosemary

Content in a Cottage said...

Pam, I see a lot of red tail hawks too in my distant trees. I am hoping this hawk takes care of any mice that might be attracted to the bird food that drops to the ground. He will be welcome to come back and hunt for them anytime just as your hawks are welcome around your barn.
xo, Rosemary

Content in a Cottage said...

Mama Pea -- I know the nickname for this type of hawk is Chicken Hawk. I'll keep him close and away from your poultry.
xo, Rosemary

The Queen Vee said...

I'm am really loving your amazing bird photography.