There have been many visitors to Casa Kittling over the years. I wish I had photographs of the gopher, the pot-bellied pig, and the half-grown ostrich that all came to call, but I don't. However, I did happen to look out of the office window to catch sight of a magnificent visitor that scared all the other feathered residents into absolute silence and the darkest of shadows.
This is an immature Cooper's Hawk, and we had others stop by the following two years. You normally don't think of raptors having anything to do with cities, but they do. In fact, they must be rather common around here since there is a Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant with several locations here in the valley.
I need to keep an eye peeled, don't I? Who knows what critter will show up next!
Wow, what a visitor, Cathy! And you got a great picture, too! I I have to admit, I like raptors - there's just something about them...
ReplyDeleteYes, there is something about them.
DeleteCooper's Hawks are so amazing! And what a great photo of this one. We sometimes get Sharp-shinned hawks in our backyard; they look a lot like a Cooper's Hawk, but their tails are slightly different. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll bet when that sharp-shinned hawk shows up in your yard, the other birds are very very quiet!
DeleteHe is intimidating. He would keep me away, too.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't blame the little birds for hiding, that's for sure!
DeleteThat's a terrific picture. Those guys usually don't want to hold still for my camera.
ReplyDeleteHis stare was a bit unsettling... almost as if he wanted to turn me into lunch...
DeleteWow - great photo!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kate!
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