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Welcome to your Public Forum! Please use it to tell all of us what birds you are seeing in your yard, your neighborhood, on your balcony or fire escape, or in your favorite park. Tell us about any wildlife refuges you are visiting. And the birds you are seeing – what are they doing? Are they singing, nest-building, flying, foraging, sitting still and resting? Are they interacting with those of their own species or with others? Are they by themselves? In a flock? Ask questions and learn more about topics that are important to you. And remember, no question is too basic or simple – we all have to start somewhere. If you are having trouble posting, have something to discuss with me, or have a question for me, please email me at lindahendricksspence@birdingbeyondthefieldguide.com.

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Public ForumYour sightings: What did you see or hear?Cooper's hawk

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Cooper's hawk

#1 · 12/21/2024, 6:33 PM

Thought this was a cool photo I got of a cooper's hawk that I wanted to share. He was stocking the bird feeder for his next meal. I'm glad to report he went away hungry (haha).

Miles, What a great photo! I believe that might be a juvenile Cooper's Hawk? What do you think? And I am right with you. I want Cooper's Hawks to have long and fulfilled lives, but not by dining on the songbirds that come to our feeders. Linda

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#2 · 12/24/2024, 1:28 PM

Yes, based on the markings on its chest this would definitely be considered a juvenile hawk. Juvenile Cooper's hawk tend to have larger and more bolder brown streaks across their chest compaired to adult Cooper's hawks.

#3 · 12/30/2024, 3:02 PM

Hello all...... I too have a regular Cooper's visit my backyard/feeders area = looking for an easy meal. And yes Linda, totally agree, want them to live a long and fulfilling life - just not at the expense of "Barry's Backyard Buffet"!!! Ya gotta go work for them, Cooper.....lol.

I try to look out my window as frequently as I can, and if I see no birds hanging around, I know that there is better than a 50% chance that the Cooper's is in the vicinity... and so I go out to see - and therefore scare it off. bdp in Clinton IL

Barry's Backyard Buffet! I love that! I am picturing a nice big sign for next year's Christmas gift from your family! Seriously, Cleon and I do the same. As soon as we see an empty feeder area, we immediately look in the trees for a Cooper's Hawk - and most of the time, in winter, there is one. We also occasionally have a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Do you? How about any of you reading this - Sharp-shinned Hawks at your feeders??? Linda

#4 · 01/07/2025, 10:19 PM

Linda, I don't know if I could distinguish a sharp -shinned from a Cooper's ... they are all so quick - and look so much alike. ;0( bdp

#5 · 01/09/2025, 11:52 AM

Well, here is a good coupla pics of MY Cooper's.

Obviously, the squirrels do not see Cooper's as a threat.

Based on the size, my guess is this is a female??

Barry 1/09/25 11.50am

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