This isn't the first time I've seen one around here, but it is the first time I've been this close to one. High in the trees, the birds continuously screeched warnings until the hawk left. I hope this welcome visitor returns soon. This morning marks the latest frost since 2002, the low of 31 F on that year's May 21 marked the latest date it had ever gotten that cold. The latest frost since I've lived in this house was May 30, 1996. So, while unusual, this light, patchy frost is not unprecedented. It's too early to determine whether there has been any damage. I'm not going to worry about it, but I'm glad I haven't gone yet to get my pepper plants.
16 comments:
I used to see a Cooper's hawk in a previous garden a bit out of town but have not seen one in my Ann Arbor garden. (Clearly, it didn't NEED directions to find you! ;-)
Hi MMD, there are two Wows in this post, the hawk and the frost! I am now rethinking the packing list for the umpteenth time. We hear that screeching constantly, along with the siren of the hawk song. Lots of activity with all the baby birds about. Why don't these hawks kidnap a couple of squirrels, or a rabbit or twenty? :-)Just kidding, not.
Frances
There are some weird weather behaviours happening here too, so I'm actually relieved to find out that you're coping with a few frosty days. The hawk is very handsome, but I wouldn't want him in my yard. In the meadow or the woods, fine, but not after my songbirds. (and we don't have the rabbit/squirrel problem here, lucky us).
What a gift to get to see the Cooper's Hawk up so close. How did you get your camera so quickly is what I want to know. I'm sorry about the frost/freeze. I hope you don't get much damage.~~Dee
That's great to see a hawk so close up! I hope your garden didn't sustain much damage from the frost. I covered a few things just for safety's sake and moved my container of lettuce seedlings inside for the night, and everything seemed to come through fine.
How wonderful to see them so close up...I can hear hawks call and see them soaring above the garden~~I appreciate the bluejays at that time...they warn the little song birds. It's amazing to see the smaller birds chase a hawk away, too. Brave little guys!
I hope the frost wasn't too damaging? gail
MMD, I'm considering this to be quite a special treat, due to the fact that it was so up-close!
Okay. I'm going to quit acting like a yo-yo. I'll visit another time. I hope you know I hate missing the party at your house. Especially when I know the effort you've been making for your guests. Have a wonderful time and give them a "Shady high-five!"
That may be the kind of hawk that lives on the school grounds where I work. Our last average frost free date is today. The low was in the 40s, and it's supposed to warm up the rest of the week, with highs in the 80s the next 3 days. I wish we'd have more 70s so my lettuce will stay nice.
I've been planting peppers and tomatoes the last few days. I hope you get yours in soon, and the weather cooperates.
MMD, light, patchy frost is predicted for here tonight. I thought about covering a few things then decided I wouldn't be up and around in time to take the covers off before work tomorrow. So...the plants are on their own.
The hawk is beautiful and such a great close up. Hopefully he was just admiring your gardens and not looking for a meal. :)
That certainly is a big one!! I see these guys in my garden only in the winter months when food is scarce..I feed the birds all winter so..he sits and waits.
We have a frost warning tonight. I'm glad I procrastinated and haven't planted my impatiens.
Beautiful photo, MMD. I hope the hawk returns to visit often. It was chilly here yesterday, too, but I don't think we had any frost. I'm going to cast caution to the winds and try to get my tomatoes and peppers planted this week.
Sorry about that late frost, MMD. But I'm glad I read about it so I know that I really do need to pack some warm things! At least a good coat and some closed shoes. We're in shorts and flip flops here these days and it's hard to realize that it's chilly elsewhere. Love the hawk - amazing that you were able to photograph it -- and get such a great shot.
Great shot of the Coopers Hawk, MMD! Hope nothing was bothered by that late frost!
How cool is a Coop in the garden. Too bad about the frost. Jack doesn't know he isn't welcome now.
I love my Cooper's Hawks; we enjoy a pair. I feed the songbirds sunflower seeds and niger seeds, and frequently we have the boon of seeing one of the hawks sitting on the crossbar of the feeding station, looking around as if to say "One, two, three and where's my breakfast" a la Kipling's "Just So Stories." I don't begrudge them an occasional bird, we have created a huge population bubble here with the hundreds of pounds of birdseed we put out every year. I look at it as a two tier system.
I also want to know how you got your camera so quick.
Post a Comment