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Back Porch Surprise

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20 replies
Posted by Jim Hackley on September 23, 2011 at 12:28 AM
Back Porch Surprise
I thought I would share one of the many encounters I have had this summer with some juvenile Cooper's Hawks that visit the water trays we leave out in the desert behind our place. It has been a long hot summer but it was really interesting to photograph and watch the Cooper's behavior.
On this occasion I had just stepped out to the back porch and was ready to start taking pictures when the juvenile half heartily took off after a Mourning Dove but quickly gave up and to my surprise landed on our back porch brick wall. At first his attention went to a lizard climbing up the opposite wall, then he started doing some dance thing I call the 'funky chicken', then flapped his wings for a while and finally gave me one last look before taking off. A very entertaining encounter.
Regards,
Jim
Posted by Jim Hackley on September 23, 2011 at 12:29 AM
The 'funky chicken' dance.
Posted by Jim Hackley on September 23, 2011 at 12:31 AM
Flapping the wings.
Posted by Jim Hackley on September 23, 2011 at 12:32 AM
One last look before going away.
Posted by Richard Ditch on September 23, 2011 at 1:08 AM
Neat shots and encounter.
Posted by Barbara Graham on September 23, 2011 at 2:51 AM
Jim, that's a great experience, and I love the images. Thanks very much for sharing them with us.
Posted by Keith Bauer on September 23, 2011 at 9:22 AM
Jim: Great images. Eye level images of these guys are not common. Nicely done. Thanks for sharing the story.
Posted by Charlie Baugh on September 23, 2011 at 10:58 AM
These are great shots and your narrative conveys a nice story. Glad you recorded it so well.
Posted by SandyRichardsBrown on September 23, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Great series! You've sure gotten some great shots from your little corner of the desert! I'm envious.. :smile:
Sandy
Posted by Peter Conway on September 23, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Good stuff!

Peter
Posted by Don R. Millbranth on September 23, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Looks like it was a great morning for great shots

Don :wavey:
Posted by Dennis Plank on September 23, 2011 at 2:10 PM
Wonderful encounter, Jim, and some great images. :toast:
Posted by Eleanor Kee Wellma on September 23, 2011 at 2:26 PM
You have made a great job of your opportunity! If you think the bird is still around it would be worth attaching a one or two good perches nearby.
Posted by David Graham on September 23, 2011 at 3:42 PM
And your shots are a nice demo of his progress into his first adult plumage.
The adult steel blue contrasts nicely with the juvenile burnt umber.

Dave Graham, East River,, SD
Posted by Philip Hodgkins on September 23, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Sweet images! It is serendipitous shots like this that totally make up for the frustrations of avian photography. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by Ron Bielefeld on September 23, 2011 at 4:05 PM
Very cool. Love the "Funky Chicken" shot.
Posted by Ray Whitt on September 23, 2011 at 6:28 PM
Great shots, what a wonderful encounter!
Posted by Brian Gatlin on September 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM
cool shots, Jim. neat to see it transitioning to adult plumage too!
Posted by Nate Chappell on September 23, 2011 at 11:05 PM
Great stuff Jim! :toast: :toast:
Posted by Walter Rowe on September 24, 2011 at 2:38 PM
What a special encounter.
Posted by Hali Sowle on September 24, 2011 at 9:06 PM
What a great series and a special encounter with a beautiful raptor!