Stalker

Last Sunday morning was cold as hell, and I was wondering why there were no birds fussing around after I had replenished the feeders - and why a lone squirrel remained huddled on a low pine branch close to the trunk, instead of wolfing down my peanuts... That's when I spotted that guy in the pine tree right above my main feeder. Not the first time I see him around, a Broad-winged Hawk I believe (anybody confirming?).

I had time to go fetch the camera and shoot a few through the kitchen window (this one's the best, or the less bad) - I then opened the sliding door and had time to miserably miss one shot before the piercing voice of my daughter chased him away...

Nothing to call home about, but it's my first shot of such a beast, then I enjoy it.

Thanks for looking.

Nice shot. I saw a hawk on my fence the other day I was driving home, by the time I got inside to get the camera he was gone.

Those birds are beautiful... I would love to get a good shot on one. I wish I could get such a good shot of a hawk.

I believe this is either a Coopers Hawk or Sharp-shinned Hawk depending on the size. Keep an eye out for it again...if they find a decent hunting area they will visit it often.

I have a Coopers hawk that visits my backyard so much that if it perches in the shade I will chase it off...oneday it will realize that if it sits in the sun it can stay.

Duane N wrote in post #9334871
I believe this is either a Coopers Hawk or Sharp-shinned Hawk depending on the size. Keep an eye out for it again...if they find a decent hunting area they will visit it often.

I have a Coopers hawk that visits my backyard so much that if it perches in the shade I will chase it off...oneday it will realize that if it sits in the sun it can stay.

Thanks Duane; I tried to check pictures of the three varieties on Internet, but it's very confusing (not counting with the obvious mistakes...), even on specialized websites - supposedly same species show vastly different chest marks depending on the pictures.
Cooppers be it.
Maybe next time I'll be able to see him in flight and pick more elements.

Scott W wrote in post #9333646
Nice shot. I saw a hawk on my fence the other day I was driving home, by the time I got inside to get the camera he was gone.

Thanks for looking Scott.

kent andersen wrote in post #9334857
Those birds are beautiful... I would love to get a good shot on one. I wish I could get such a good shot of a hawk.

Thanks Kent.