Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper's Hawks that migrate through Salter Grove are probably more numerous than what recorded sightings would suggest. Unlike the larger Red-tailed Hawk, it does not soar overhead nor perch conspicuously on the top of tall trees. Instead, it stays hidden amongst tree branches within woodland or along their edges so as to ambush passing birds or small mammals.
Even if effective, the technique of swooping quickly onto the victim means occasionally crashing through branches. A study of 300 Cooper's Hawk skeletons revealed that nearly a fourth of the specimens had healed-over fractures in the breast bones. Talk about occupational hazard!
Females are significantly larger than their mates and specialize in eating medium-size birds like American Robins, Blue Jays, chickens, European Starlings, Mourning Doves, Northern Flicker, pheasants, quails, and Rock Pigeons. Male Cooper's Hawks appear submissive to their mates and only approach when the female invites them with reassuring calls.
Cooper's Hawks breed from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Birds that breed in the more northerly regions winter in Mexico and some parts of Central America. Birds that breed further south are usually year-round residents.
It has adapted well to the suburban landscape and has learned to wait for easy prey at bird feeders.