Cooper’s are amazing!
We have a subadult visit almost everyday (Burns, Oregon) hunting California
quail at 6 oz and probably more wgt. than that because they eat 10 pounds of
feed per day. Today the Cooper’s walked under the shrubs trying to flush quail
out.
His best strategy is to strafe the backyard and flush the feeding flock, hoping
one flys towards the window. We now have cherry netting stretched in front of
the windows to protect the Cooper’s, sharp-shinned and northern goshawk and us.
When they hit the window it sounds like it should break.
The quail and doves bounce off the net and the birds of prey catch them on the
rebound. Piles of feathers everywhere in backyard document who was plucked
today.
The Cooper’s will carefully persuade the goshawk to leave if both end up
stalking the back yard at the same time.
We are fortunate to have lots of quail -their preferred meal. It will come to
an end soon as the quail pair up and disperse to nest in the sagebrush.
Sibley mentions that Eurasian collared doves weigh 7 oz. Will have to weigh
one
Cheers,
Rick
Sent from my iPhone
Rick Vetter cotingas@xxxxxxxxx
Phone 541-589-2230
“Even the worst handwritten notes are better than the
best memory or technology”
Sergej Postupalsky, eagle researcher
On Apr 15, 2020, at 11:11 PM, Robert O'Brien <baro@xxxxxxx> wrote:
Collared Doves seemed to be fairly large to me so I was impressed
But according to Google, they weigh 5.3 oz while Cooper's hawks weigh 7.8 -
14.5 oz. I wonder if the small male Coopers can take them on?
Bob OBrien Carver OR
On Wed, Apr 15, 2020 at 10:27 PM Pat Truhn <pat.truhn@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
We see that quite often on our farm. Collared Doves seem to be Cooper's
favorite meal.
On Wed, Apr 15, 2020 at 7:20 PM Pamela Johnston <shovzan@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
If there was some doubt in your mind about whether Cooper's Hawk preys on
Eurasian Collared-dove, you can be sure that they do.
I saw this pair on Clair Ln, Dayton, before noon today. The photo was taken
through the windshield. The focus is not so clear, so I'll explain. The
dove is at left of the hawk's breast, down on its side. The hawk is
mantling over its prey, and its crown is raised.
Very shortly after this moment a noise upset the hawk and it shifted
position, which allowed the dove to escape. In a surprisingly long moment,
it took off in pursuit. A hedge of trees prevented me from seeing any more
of the hunt.
Pamela Johnston
