The mixed flock of Starlings, Grackles, Cowbirds and Red-winged Blackbirds were here until earlier this week when a Sharp-shinned Hawk harvested a Cowbird.
It was tough to get him in focus because he kept at his work.
A poor little Downy Woodpecker was caught at the suet feeder. He didn't make a move for at least 20 minutes. It was so cold I was afraid he would freeze. I tried to flush him by knocking on the window, but he just blinked at me.
I couldn't bear the suspense, so I went about my business. He was gone when I checked back ten minutes later.
It took the hawk about 45 minutes to finish eating. Only feathers remained.
The flock has moved on and not returned.
Wow, like a microcosm of the jungle right there in your yard. We had a Coop take a Mourning Dove the other day, but the other birds seem undeterred. Glad you can go back to feeding your regular birds.
ReplyDeleteI have since learned that it is most likely this is a Cooper's Hawk.
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