Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bosque Bill on February 18, 2012 at 7:29pm

I would be willing to bet there was no pillow explosion on your porch. You're right that this appears to be a juvenile Cooper's Hawk. I wouldn't go so far as to declare female or male.

Permalink Reply by Skip on February 19, 2012 at 10:14am

Thanks, Bosque Bill.  I appreciate having an experienced birder helping me out here.

Permalink Reply by Debby S on February 19, 2012 at 8:04am

Great picture! In what area of town was this? A good friend recently caught several good pictures of a hawk that close enough to be photographed with a cell phone camera. We've seen hawks on south Yale before since there is plenty of prey in the big cemetary and nearby neighborhoods.  A friend reported that folks see hawks have leisurely meals (of pigeons) on the UNM campus where pedestrians can pass by and watch.  It's good when birds of prey feel comfortable. I think they know they're admired :)

Permalink Reply by Skip on February 19, 2012 at 10:19am

Debby: my wife took that photo.  This was east of Tramway, between Lomas and Copper.  I have seen a raptor sitting in a tree on the UNM campus not far from the Duck Pond.  I've been told hawks don't much like the city pigeons (I think these are called "Rock Doves."), but they love the White-winged Doves.

Permalink Reply by Bridgett on February 20, 2012 at 9:35am

This little guy/gal is welcome in my neighborhood anytime to feast on white wing doves!