Hawk...eating!

[steg]

Caught this guy out back in our tree snacking on a European Starling (I think)...

I hung out there for quite some time taking pictures. Then I decided I should probably leave him alone to eat in peace.

[Spider]

Way cool! Is that a sharp shinned? One less starling can only be a good thing.

[steg]

Not sure on the type, but was thinking a Coopers Hawk. I let someone else chime in on that one.

Yes, best use of a European Starling I've seen.

[nanny_56]

Very cool catch! I am thinking it maybe a Sharp-shinned but I am not positive. I keep wishing my Cooper's would thin out the starlings here but hasn't taken out one yet!

[steg]

Hard to tell which one it was, but I do remember thinking s/he was on the small side to some I've seen around here. Probably a juvenile for sharp-shinned or coopers. It was there in the tree eating for about an hour. Didn't mind me walking up under the tree to get the pics. I was really surprised.

[nanny_56]

I have a really terrible time IDing those 2...it is very hard. I usually post on a bird forum I go to and have it confirmed there I just walked and looked out my back door and there was my Cooper's, but once again it was gone before I could get the camera going!! I think it is taunting me...I don't seem to be able to train mine to sit and pose for photos like everybody else's.

[steg]

the hawk was back again today, although I guess it could have been a different one. I say him/her come in a land in the top of a big maple. Didn't have time to get a great look or any pictures. Oh well. Is it wrong to keep feeding the little birds to bring in the big ones?

[nanny_56]

I just consider it nature taking its course....

[Spider]

Nah, just one more bird taking advantage of the feeding station. Fatten up those starlings, make em extra tasty.