I followed this pair of Coopers Hawks through several weeks this spring. I was able to observe and capture many images of them building their nest, perching, hunting, eating, mating, etc... I found this very interesting in that the male would go out and hunt. He would bring back the meal and call out to the female in the nest. She would fly out to greet him. She would not even take a bite if it was not cleaned, i.e. no feathers/fur. I saw her refuse food several times...and then fly back to the nest calling out. The male would then get busy plucking feathers/fur, etc...and then once done, would call back to her. She would then fly back to the perch or wherever and inspect it again. Once it was clean she would begin to eat. It was only at these times that I ever saw her allow the male to mate with her.
Due to the location of the nest, etc...backgrounds are busy and I am shooting through lots of branches, etc... I believe the meal this time was a small rabbit. I have lots of different images from these Hawks to be shared in the future.
Taken with a D300, 600VR, f/8, ISO 800, 1/1000th SS
http://www.jasongharrison.com/images/2672_S.jpg
Hope you enjoyed. C & C welcome...
