Sometimes you get to see something magical when birding. Today, I got to see a Cooper’s Hawk make three amazing swift turns and catch a Tufted Titmouse in midair. It was too sudden to catch with my camera. I did however get to record the meal being eaten.
Today, I caught up with one of two Red-shouldered Hawks that’s been in Central Park. This bird is in the same family, Buteo, as Red-tailed Hawks. We first saw the Red-shouldered Hawk at Turtle Pond. It then went just south of the Obelisk (a.k.a. Cleopatra’s Needle). After about twenty minutes it then went to Cedar Hill before we lost it. In searching for it we found Pale Male, America’s most famous Red-tailed Hawk. I’ve included him in the pictures so, you can compare these two species from the same family.
The Merlin that has been hanging around the Great Lawn this December, was eating what looked like a Tufted Titmouse this afternoon. It was fun to watch it fan its tail to help keep its balance while eating.
Located in Central Park’s Ramble, the Evodia Field has the only sanctioned bird feeders in the park. They are supported by great volunteers. Indirectly, they end up feeding one or two Cooper’s Hawks who enjoy the buffet of sparrows and similarly sized birds during the winter. One young Cooper’s Hawk in particular is enjoying the easy pickings this Fall.
A Merlin, an medium sized Falcon, has been hanging around the Great Lawn for about a week. It seems to have a lot of enemies. It was hassled by an American Kestrel, a Red-tailed Hawk and some Blue Jays all within a few minutes while I was watching it.
On Saturday, at dusk those watching the Barred Owl got a special treat. A Cooper’s Hawk came in and harassed the Barred Owl. There was calling by both birds, which included the strange Cooper’s Hawk sounds. After this the Barred Owl went to a low branch giving everyone great looks.
The Barred Owl watchers were well behaved and kept quiet. All of a sudden we and the owl heard loud clapping. It turns out that while we were looking at the owl, an Italian couple got engaged! It is Central Park not a nature preserve, so other things do happen!
The fun continued as the Barred Owl flew to an Oak Tree and went after squirrels. It didn’t seem to get them, but they are in its view all day so I guess it’s worth a try. I’ve seen a Great Horned Owl exhibit similar behavior. So, just when I think I understand the fly out behavior, the owl or in this case a Cooper’s Hawk mixes things up.
