A flurry of scurrying birds draws my attention outside. The feeders are empty meaning someone or something has invaded our sanctuary.
A bird of prey. I catch it landing on a neighbour’s tree but it’s too far away to identify. I return to my task, half watching for the return of the many birds that frequent the buffet just outside our windows. Instead, the prowler himself lands atop the hosting pole, his fierce eyes hungrily searching for strays.
“A Cooper’s Hawk,” I yell for Ric, reaching for my camera. I’ve frightened him off, but not too far – he’s landed just at the back of the yard.

Perfect timing 🙂
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Yes. Thanks.
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Wow! Great photo, VJ!
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Thanks Eugi.
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Most welcome!
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Beautiful! He’ll keep the feeders quiet for a bit!
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Yes he does, although yesterday some jays chased him off. I suspect he’s a young one.
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…as long as the Jays don’t chase off the others too!
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They play reasonably well. Unless peanuts are being offered, lol.
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😄
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Great capture! It’s beautiful bird! 🙂 ❤
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It is a beautiful bird! Thank you.
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Lovely. We have a lot of red tailed hawks here. And a few owls. Every time I see rabbit, I will see a hawk within a couple of days.
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They have keen eyes. We have many red tails too. This is first I’ve seen this fellow.
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