Surveillance from the Fence
Yesterday morningโSaturday, 13 September 2025โI looked out into the backyard and noticed a dark shape perched on the back fence near the bird feeder. At first glance, I thought it was a squirrel, its tail hanging down in that familiar arc. But as my brain caught up with my eyes, I realized it was something else entirely.
I grabbed my camera and headed to the sunroom, hoping to get a few shots without disturbing the figure. Through the lens, the mystery resolved: a Cooperโs hawk (Accipiter cooperii), just hanging out, back to me, head turned nearly 180 degrees, scanning the ground below like a surgeon preparing for the first incision.
I cracked the door open and took a few more pictures. Then I stepped out onto the patioโand that was enough. The hawk lifted off and flew into the forest, landing in an oak tree just beyond the yard. It was still close enough for a few decent shots, but birds being birds, it tucked itself behind a veil of leaves, hidden but not gone.
Check out breathtaking photos of magnificent birds of prey, visit my photo gallery here:
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