A surprise visitor as though I have seen them flying from one neighbor's yard to another occasionally, one hasn't settled on the deck rail for a while. I was walking by the patio door from family room to kitchen, to put the kettle on for a cup of tea, when I was aware that my peripheral vision had seen a larger shape than usual. I quietly took two steps back and there it was, head turned away, thankfully. It gave me time to grab my camera (kept on a table right by the door for such occasions) and was able to snap a few photos. I was spotted and with wings spread it flew to the next garden, through the trees and out of sight.
I checked with my Google ID and two birds came up, a Cooper's Hawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk, they are very similar. You can click here to read an article about that. A little while later I had a quick chat with Gregg's sister after sending her the first photo. She takes amazing shots of birds in her area, and we are very happy when she shares them with us. After checking her Merlin app she thought it was a Sharp-shinned Hawk. I am not an expert and am always grateful for help with ID's. I really do need to download the Merlin app. 
A thought came that it was a good job we were late replenishing the birdseed. I know these birds of prey have to survive and this one looked like it was on the hunt. However, I was happy it was all quiet out there. I kept watch outside after he had left and when I saw birds and squirrels in the trees again, the birdseed was put out, the smaller birds arrived and all was quiet and safe, at least until the next visit. Another thought came, I prefer nature's gifts far better than diamonds around my neck, true! Also...
Such a sweet and cute visitor!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Angie, thank you :)
DeleteI have never known these two types of hawks either. So elegant
ReplyDeleteI agree, thank you Roentare :)
DeleteOh my, he's spectacular. What a thrill to have him visit.
ReplyDeleteHe is and was. Thank you Ann :)
DeleteA beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteVery much so, thank you William :)
DeleteGorgeous birds!
ReplyDeletehugs
Donna
Aren't they though :) Thank you Donna and hugs from me.
DeleteIt is a beautiful hawk, great photos. Take care, have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen, and mesmerizing :) You take care and have a great day also.
Deletehe is beautiful, which ever he is and you are smart to keep the camera handy. I need to put mine back on the kitchen table,
ReplyDeleteMissed opportunities by experience Sandra, that's why the camera is permanently within hands reach :) Thank you!
DeleteHawks are certainly beautiful birds and you were wise to keep a lookout, Denise, to see if this visitor would be returning to capture a meal.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dorothy, I can always tell when the hawk is around with the lack of birds and squirrels at the feeders :) Once I saw a woodpecker underneath the bottom rail with its head poking out looking up at the sky. He was hiding from a hawk.
DeleteA sharp shinned hawk will take advantage of the birds at a feeder. Nice shot.
DeleteThat's interesting info, thanks Red :)
DeleteOoh!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandi :)
DeleteWhat a lovely sight to see, except for the birds! That said, I've read somewhere about the low success rates for birds of prey.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenn, glad you enjoyed. I read a similar article about their success rate.
DeleteLucky you! He's tremendously handsome! Between company last week, prepping for a Cork Poppers do, an ear and/or sinus infection, and then this week's mass shooting in our town, I'm so behind blog reading, I'll never catch up! I'll try to take a look at all but not comment and hopefully be back on schedule this week!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanie :) he certainly is. You've had your plate full that's for sure. I hope you are feeling better by now, and now with this latest horror. Don't worry about visiting, your blogging friends certainly understand.
DeleteGood photos
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine :)
DeleteSuch a beautiful visitor. Wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellen :) he certainly was.
DeleteHow wonderful to see, you are lucky.
ReplyDeleteI was Margaret, an incredible gift :)
Deleteit's a beauty, not my expertise either. i always worry about my song birds when they decide to hang around. too many of my small birds have become dinner for these hawks!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I worry about mine too and oh dear, that would be sad to see :(
DeleteThat's a great close-up of the Hawk, Denise. I've never heard of this type of Hawk. The ones we see around here are the red-tailed Hawk. This one has a pretty grey coat of feathers........and those eyes!
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Thank you Sheri, I'm glad I wasn't running slow on reflexes that day. This beauty was only there for a minute :) Those eyes are really something aren't they?
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