Cooper's Hawk visiting in the backyard.

Every three or four weeks this cooper’s hawk would scour the backyard for any prey - bird, snake, or rodent. It seemed that every 3rd or 4th pursuit he left with something in his claws - the times I saw him fly off. He seemed to look hungrily at the squirrels, but they seemed unafraid. Maybe they knew they were to big or vicious to become it's meal.

This went on for about a year - I enjoyed the visits, and the example of vigilance and patience. One day, driving out of the neighborhood, I saw the hawk in a low tree just by the road. He sat on the same branch for quite awhile without moving. I could only imagine some sort of confrontation with a car - he was sure to lose. The people, cars and commotion so close beneath the tree didn't seem to make a difference. It seemed he had hurt a wing.

I watched for awhile and then left. Upon my return he was gone and not seen again.