My Best Cooper's Hawk To Date

I was lucky enough to get a long-awaited "good" chance at a Cooper's right in my front yard this morning. He (she?) gave me enough time to sprint down the hall, grab the camera from my office, quickly check settings and fire off one burst. This is the best of them, 500mm at 1/160, handheld. Thank God for IS!! Thanks for looking!

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great shot and look at that eyeball! WOW!

dave

Many of us would consider that the best of a lifetime Erik!
Great shooting and congrats. That's a stunning image of a "he" Coopers.

Looks real nice, great catch

Terrific shot Erik! Was this through a window or did you manage to get outside?

Very nice shot.

Wow, that is a lovely catch!!

Thank you for the kind words folks.

Steve, it is absolutely the best I have ever done, and if its the best I do for life, I will not complain. I have had enough failed attempts at these guys to feel appreciative of this morning's opportunity!

I did manage to get outside--just a few steps out the front door and shot off of the front deck. He jumped up into the trees and gave me a few more chances to shoot through the branches. I backed off and let him be at that point; he was still there when I slipped back inside. I'm sure he was here to check out and "regulate" matters at the feeder, and I hope he becomes a regular.

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Great story and shot,glad he was there when you returned Erik.Love the intensity of their red eyes.

Great shot. The clarity of the eye is amazing.

Excellent shot!

OMG is all I have to say.

I've been there but I usually don't get the shot.
You did great.

Great shot - you are justifiably proud!

Andrew

Great catch. I would love to have a 500 IS. Lucky you.