Sharp-shinned Hawk

 

On cold winter days, many birds come to our feeders. Unfortunately, this hawk is aware of the congregation and sits in a nearby tree waiting for an opportunity to make a meal out of one. It's hard to sit by and do nothing, but we have to let nature work things out. If only the hawk would go after the squirrels instead - we are having our usual winter battle with them. Chris finally decided if you cant beat them, join them and bought a corn block for the squirrels. Now they're eating that and still getting on the bird feeders!

Sharp shinned hawk looking for breakfast

Sharp-shinned Hawk For Pat

Chris' sister Pat complained that we haven't been posting recently. It's been cold and cloudy and the usual birds have been around: finches, cardinals, woodpeckers, titmice, juncos, etc. However, they all leave when the sharp-shinned hawk comes by.

Hawk waiting under the feeder

 

 

We're pretty sure this is a sharp-shinned hawk. It has been hunting by the feeder today, and once landed exactly where the cardinal had been perched previously. We know it has to eat too, but we're glad we haven't seen it catch any of our little friends. It's welcome to all the grackle it wants!

Hawk Getting Ready to Fly

This hawk hung around for a while in a tree looking for something to eat. He scared a finch away from the feeder and landed on a post on the dock. Here is a picture of him as he was flying away still hungry.

There was a squirrel in the tree who didn't move for a few minutes. Here, the hawk seemed to consider a squirrel dinner.

One Less Finch for the Great Backyard Bird Count

While counting birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count, a sharpshined hawk came by and caught a finch in mid-air. He flew to a nearby tree with his prey.

Sharpshined Hawk