Caught on tape: A Christmas "Owl Hawk"

From a distance, I saw what appeared to be a fat, large owl sitting on my fence. So, I grabbed my camcorder to use as binoculars, and I zoomed in for a closer look. Ha ha, it turns out it's actually a hawk with its tail being obscured by the fence. Probably a Coopers Hawk... Chihuahuas beware!

It's interesting to see how at times he can turn his head almost completely around to look at the field in back of him. You can get a good look at his talons and sharp beak-- tools of the trade for hunting small animals. The evergreen in front of the hawk is normally full of dozens birds, but they're keeping a low profile now!

Wild Bird Jokes for the day:
#1) Two crows are sitting on a fence, when a jet-fighter doing training maneuvers roars overhead. 1st crow says wistfully "Man, I sure wish I could fly that fast!" 2nd crow remarks "If you had two butts, and both of them were on fire, you could!"

#2) Q. How do you catch a unique bird?
A. Unique up on it.
Q. How do you catch a tame bird.
A. Tame way -- unique up on it.

#3) Two vultures were in the desert eating a dead clown. The first vulture asks the second vulture: "Does this taste funny to you?"

#4) Judge: young man, it says here you shot and killed a Califorina Condor. How do you plead? Defendant: Guilty your honor. Judge: GUILTY!? Don't you know how endangered these condors are? There are hardly any left at all. Defendant: Yes sir, I know, but I had to feed my family, we're so poor. Judge: That's no excuse. I fine you 30 days in jail. By the way, what does California Condor taste like? Defendant: It's real good, kinda like a cross between Bald Eagle and Whooping Crane!

#5) Question: What does a 1,000 lb. canary say? Answer: Here kitty, kitty, kitty!

Otay, that's all the bird jokes. Below is some more info about Cooper's Hawks, courtesy ODNR Wildlife Division:

Cooper's hawks are often mistaken for peregrines both in city areas and suburban and rural backyards. It is not hard to figure out why when we compare the two. There are several similarities. The main difference to look for when you see one of these birds perched is to look at where the wing tips fall in relation to the tip of the tail (when the wings are folded against the body). Cooper's hawks have shorter wings and a long tail and so their wing tips will fall several inches shorter than the tip of the tail.

Description
Cooper's hawks are medium-sized birds (about the size of a crow) with shorter, rounded wings. The tail is long and is crossed by several dark bands with a distinct white band at the tip. Adults have slate-gray upperparts and a dark cap. The underparts are finely barred with a rusty color.

Habitat and Habits
These hawks prefer deciduous forests and open woodland habitats with occasional open meadows and clearings.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Cooper's hawks are monogamous and some pairs may even mate for life. Breeding begins in early spring and a nest of sticks and twigs is made in a tree, high above the ground. Both parents care for the young.

Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
• Peak Breeding Activity: March
• Incubation: 32-36 days
• Clutch Size: 4-5 eggs
• Young Fledge: 27-34 days after hatching
• Typical Foods: birds and small mammals

Source: ODNR Division of Wildlife
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/species_a_to_z/SpeciesGuideIndex/coopershawk/...

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Cooper's
• Hawk
• Owl
• Redtail
• Peregrine
• Ohio
• Raptor
• Big
• Darby
• Watershed
• Habitat
• Wildlife
• Birding

[capstell]

Beautiful hawk! Love the jokes too! Thanks!

[HGlider1]

This is just a common Coopers hawk. Does not have the dished face feature of an owl

[Amalaini92]

is it half Owl half Hawk??

[MyDelta9]

its a coopers hawk & not a sparrow hawk as i 1st thought, dont have em in england.....good footage!

[crowhunter771]

thats really cool!!!

[BelleFlower15]

Cool! I love hawks.

[nickplaysmaple]

1st view 1st comment =D