Cooper's Hawk

This is a Cooper's Hawk, one of a pair that nests nearby.  Each Spring he or she returns around this time and our neighborhood is awed by its presence.  The trees have not leafed out yet, so they are easy to spot.  Last week while working in my studio on a particularly beautiful day I had the windows open.  It was sunny but cool and breezy.  There was quite a lot of fussing among the bird population outside the window and I glanced out to find the pair sitting in one of the oaks just a few feet away.  I don't know what all the excitement was about but I was spellbound watching them.  Little did I know that I would be having an even closer encounter on Easter Sunday. We were relaxing after dinner in our family room and I saw one of the hawks gliding across the backyard.  I walked out onto the porch to get a better look and just as I did, it came floating up to the screen and clung to it.  We were eye to eye and I was every bit as terrified as it was. I think it was surprised by our cat Prince and just barely made it to the screen and out of harms way (I think Prince was in just as much danger).  Unfortunately one of it's talons became caught in the screen.  After reading Mary Alice Monroe's book Skyward last summer, I knew that freeing it was risky business.  These birds have powerful beaks and talons, and can do some damage if they feel threatened.  My husband (who did not read the book) gently worked the talon loose and freed the hawk.  It's mate was posted in a tree and screeched loudly throughout the rescue, adding to the drama.  By the way, I highly recommend any of Mary Alice Monroe's books, she is a naturalist as well as an author and all her books are nature centered.  Last summer I happened to be reading Skyward while visiting Colorado Springs.  The story evolves around a wounded Bald Eagle that is rescued and taken to a sanctuary to convalesce.  Coincidentally, one night while visiting a local ranch we were entertained by a wildlife group accompanied by four birds of prey, one of which was a Bald Eagle.  If you read the book you will understand just how affected I was to have had the rare opportunity to see one of these exquisite creatures.  The last pic below shows our Cooper's Hawk just seconds before it flew away with its mate. 

Comments

[Rella]

CathWren........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am in shock and then awe.....stunned What an amazing encounter and such stunning pictures. You husband is pretty brave.

Whew!! xo Rella

[Janet]

What an amazing experience for you! The photos are just beautiful. I have not read any of Mary Alice Monroe's books but now I think I might delve into one.

We used to live in Colo Springs and saw hawls flying around quite often but never up close and personal like this!!

[Leah]

What a sight to see on your window screen!!! He must like getting up close to see what great creations you are working on! LOL!!

[Mo'a]

That is an amazing story...and such a close encounter. Your Husband was very brave.
We have Red Tailed Hawks in our area , just the other day I saw one take down a Canada Goose. I was so stunned that I forgot to take pictures.

[A Punkin Card Company]

Beautiful hawk!

[paige]

what an amazing story!
i love mary alice monroe--i read two of her books while at the beach last summer but haven't read skyward...need to add that to the list.

so fun to find that you have a blog. i just "found ya'" today!
i see you have a note on serenbe, does that mean you live there? how fun ( i am in gwinnett county). there is a spread in cottage living -maybe old news to you.
anyway....
xo

[Linda W]

These are incredible pictures of an unforgettable experience! Sorry the poor hawk had his talon caught, but it sure afforded all of you the chance to see his magnificence up close. Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us. I agree, your husband is very brave indeed! xox

[Nancy Gene Armstrong.]

So happy hubby didn't read the book.What a grand experience. Thanks for sharing.Will check out the books to.

[Brandy]

Wow!! What an amazing opportunity you had to see such a beautiful hawk up close. I have a pair of Mississippi Kites that nest near my home. I LOVE watching them. Thanks for sharing.