1/160 sec. f/8 ISO 1000
This immature Cooper's Hawk alternates with the adults hunting in the backyard. These shots have been a long time coming. It has been unbelievably frustrating trying to get photos of any of them. They don't stay long and my past efforts have been unsuccessful. I just wish the hawks were more successful at hunting as the House Sparrow population needs some serious attention.
Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday
37 comments:
What great shots - time consuming? yes. Worthwhile? yes.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Oh wow, oh wow Brian, gorgeous young one!
Very stern wildlife shot, with lots of authority and command. I like it a lot!
Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Extra-ordinary shots, Brian. Wow - so vivid and sharp! They could visit my yard oftener too. We're over-run with House Sparrows, and Eurasian Collared Doves.
I agree- the sparrows are really being a huge bother to our purple martin population- we have one hawk that I have been able to spot. These are super shots Brian!
Such impressive shots! Thank you for putting in the time! Those talons look... painful.
really awesome job! love the 'blow the skirt up' shot you caught! beautiful sharp-eyed raptor!
Amazing close-ups Brian! I have a couple of Cooper's in my yard as well. Although they are magnificent looking creatures, I wish they would hunt somewhere else.
Awesome shots Brian!
Just look how intense his eyes are. From Findlay
Beautiful photos Brian. Always good to see prime examples of Coops and Sharpies! Peter (Bird Guide)
Beautiful photos!
Well done!
I'm so glad you posted more than one! These are brilliant shots, especially the second one with the feathers fanned out. Gorgeous bird!
Totally wonderful, and if you did have to wait a long time, we are all the winners here, thank you so very much for sharing with us , those feathers are stunning , and the claws, hope they learn to do the job well. Cheers from Jean
wat een prachtige foto,s en zo dichtbij,geweldig.
Great capture! You are very lucky to get this. Must be difficult to have them to sit a while
What beautiful photos of this Cooper's Hawk. I like his yellow eyes, beak and talons.
Magnificent!!!
Awesome shots of the Coopers Hawk! I agree about the sparrow problem. Have a happy week!
Very nice, Brian!
I empathize on trying to get a decent image of these fast raptors! I'm still waiting......
You have been talking about getting a good hawk shot since I have been following you ... Well, you did it and in a big way. Magnificent shots of a magnificent juvenile. I think your youngster needs to learn to be more stealthy ... sit in a tree, blend in and be still for about an hour. Then he will have the pick of the crop ... he'll learn. And then your sparrows will get under control.
Love this, Brian ...
Andrea @ From The Sol
Those talons are just amazing!!
I shared your image with the hubs ;)
he said my toes looked like that last week, before my pedicure!! Not fair, my polish wasn't yellow ;)
Excellent photos! Those talon look like they could take care of quite a few house sparrows! They are getting to be quite pesty.
Stunning images, Brian!
Hard work pays off, these are seriously good, great effort Brian.
Majestic and serious...
Really great shots -- such concentration... (I meant on the part of the hawk, but that obviously goes for you too....thanks for your patience. these are wonderful pictures.)
Your efforts and patience payed off. These are simply marvelous. That is one beautiful creature. Thank you so much for letting us see it up close and personal.
Wow! These fabulous shots were well worth waiting for.
Awesome bird!
Those shots are amazing! Your patience has been greatly rewarded.
The images are breathtakingly beautiful !
Gorgeous shots Brian!!! Well worth the wait!!! This young buck just might be the ticket to controlling your House Sparrows!!!
Well, Brian, these are the best Cooper's Hawk image I've ever seen. When are you coming out with a book?
Truly magnificent! Glad you were finally successful!
What a breathtaking gorgeous bird. You hit the jackpot with these shots.
Awesome series Brian!
My, my, look at those talons.
Connie had a good idea - a bird book would be wonderful. :)
Bingo! How close were you to get this kind of detail? And yes, that gaze is frightening. May I borrow him to put the fear of god in some European starlings? :-)
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