Red-tailed Hawk Scopes out Pond

What a surprise when I saw Red-tailed hawks visiting my pond. I didn't know if they were after my fish or wanted to take a bath! It was amazing to watch. Backyard ponds attract all kinds of wildlife. Anyone who has a pond and loves to feed the birds can have their yard certified as a backyard habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Red-tailed hawks
• wildlife
• backyard birds
• bird watching
• ponds
• water gardens
• koi
• goldfish
• pond supplies
• predator control
• pond supply store
• water garden center
• Aquatic Connections

[aquaticconnections]

A viewer posted a comment about the hawk being a Cooper's hawk and not a red-tail was removed by accident, so I reposted it. I'll have to take a closer look at my Birds of Pennsylvania book to see the differences between Red-tails & Coopers. Thanks.

[aquaticconnections]

That's remarkable. But it isn't a Red Tail. That's a juvenile Cooper's Hawk. They're much harder to spot that Red Tails, so consider yourself lucky.

[whiteowlonfire]

what an honor and privelege to have this bird visit. No doubt it was after your fishies tho.

[jakeanddad1]

there is a red tall hawk at my house hes trying to eat my dogs so i guss 1 way to stop him if you no how to trap him tell me ty

[tortoiseboy75]

nice bird

[ghillieman527]

what amazing shots u took thank 4 leting me have that exprience to

[ergmsg]

It was my comment you referred to.

Main difference is the tail. Cooper's tails are longer, much more so if you look closely. A juvie Red Tail has stripes like a Cooper's, but much narrower.

There are other differences --- too many to mention here.

But again, consider yourself lucky. There's a chance you had four fledglings in your pool. Remarkable odds of that happening anywhere, believe me.