One of our summer residents has returned to the backyard. For the past several years, we have had a nesting pair of Cooper’s Hawks in the Crepeau Nature Preserve. Today, one of the Coop’s paid a visit to the yard and our feeders.
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. You’re most likely to see one prowling above a forest edge or field using just a few stiff wingbeats followed by a glide. 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). {All About Birds}