I was out taking pictures of hummingbirds this morning when our postal carrier came by and told me a red-tailed hawk was sitting on the roof of a nearby house. I walked down and sure enough, there she was. She is a young one, not scared enough of humans yet to know better. She sure is pretty! Look at those feet! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
A very young cooper’s hawk kept the blue jays busy in our backyard this morning. Everywhere she went, they followed. When they got bored chasing her, she would come back, swoop down at them, and the chase was on again. She’s learning to hunt and the blue jays are quite tired of dealing with her. I’m constantly amazed by the drama going on right over our heads. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
We’ve been seeing many red-tailed hawks hanging out, often in pairs swirling around the sky. This one was taking a little break. Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
I went outside this morning and I thought, gee, it’s awfully quiet out here. There must be a hawk. Sure enough, I looked up at the tree in my neighbor’s yard and there was this beautiful sharp-shinned hawk surveying the yard. She picked herself a perfect space. Not only could she see the feeder’s in our neighbor’s and our backyards, she had a very good view of the feeder in the front yard. Smart hawk. As she flew away, I thought I heard her say, “Rats! Foiled again.”
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I seemed to be just missing everyone today, but it sure was nice watching the beautiful flying. Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
This air battle was very intense. No matter how much the red-tailed hawk screamed and tried to maneuver away, the crow just kept coming. Fortunately, after a lot of screaming and diving, they parted ways without any apparent injuries. I’m always amazed at how relentlessly the crows will go after raptors. I know I’ve said this before, but I imagine if a raptor routinely ate my babies, I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to cause a little grief. On the other hand, a hawk has to eat. And, of course, I am not able to separate my humanness from the experience. I would imagine their relationship is far more interesting, complex, and symbiotic than I can figure out. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
It was a very good day to be out. The sun and warmth were so nice after the scary cold temps of the last week. Relief seemed to be in the air. This beautiful dog, enjoying the warm-up with his humans, came by and dropped his “Frisbee” at my feet. I was very honored. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
One of the most beautiful things about winter is having some of these great spots to myself. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
While I haven’t spent too much time out in the bitter cold lately, I was able to get out for a while over the weekend and look for new winter arrivals. Hawks are in abundance and there seem to be some new bald eagle arrivals. I’m also seeing a lot more activity among the bald eagles who nest here, courting and tidying up nests. Of course what we call courtship may mean something completely different to them. Pretty much everything I’ve read about bald eagles (and many other nonhuman animals) comes from a very speciesist perspective and often runs counter to what I have observed just hanging out near them. They have their own reasons for what they do. 
Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The cardinals haven’t been visiting the feeder much, but seem to prefer staying close to the bushes, so I leave seeds and millet there. I can’t say that I blame them much when red-tailed hawks are often patrolling the neighborhood. Being bright red at this time a year might be a bit dangerous. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor