If you put out bird feeders for the seed- and nut-eating birds, you are also going to attract the bird-eating birds. Accipiters are known for stalking feeder-birds and I enjoy their visits, even though they could get one of my songbirds. I always had problems getting photos of them because they would fly off at even the slightest motion from inside the house. This was the case earlier last week when a Sharp-shinned Hawk was right outside my window: As soon as I grabbed the camera, he flew off. Disappointed that I only got a photo where his head was behind a tree-trunk, all I could do was hope that he returned for more ops.
Yesterday, he visited again. I just happened to look out my window when my sister pointed out something on a squirrel who was foraging on my deck. The Sharp-shinned Hawk was right above the squirrel.
“DON’T MOVE!” I exclaimed.
I slowly grabbed my camera and started snapping away at the bird through the glass.
Sharp-shinned Hawk through my sliding glass doors
The bird moved to another branch – one that was a really great perch, but I could only take photos at an angle through my window…
This photo was shot through my window at a poor angle.
Post processing cleared it up.
…so I slowly opened the sliding door and stuck my camera out. The bird did not move.
I stuck my camera out the sliding glass door for this one.
I moved myself all the way out the door and closed it behind me so that my cats would not get out and scare the bird. He was on the perfect perch, feet away and still did not move.
This photo is not cropped much – he was close!
He continued to look for the birds who were chirping around the trees and moved to another branch a bit further away, but still good for photos.
All fluffed up – it was cold outside!
It was a nice treat to actually be able to watch an adult Sharpie who did not seem to mind my presence.
Stretching after taking a poop (hey! birds poop!)
I went back inside and later came out again only to find that the songbirds were all over the trees calling in alarm. I took a short video of this – sorry about the motion – it was hand held and I stabilized it using Youtube’s built in tools. Hint: look at all of the birds in the background.
He knew the birds were around and continued to look for one that he could grab.
Looking for a meal
He eventually went after a bird and flew to another tree over my deck. The bird must have been hungry so I left him to hunt in peace.
Looking at me, comfortable, with one leg tucked
On a side note – the Hawk returned today and caught what I believe to be a Junco. Unfortunately, not long after he caught it, I saw Crows flying away with his meal. They stole his breakfast and the poor Sharpie has to start over.