Cooper's Hawk with Downy Woodpecker

[Jon Holcombe]

If these pictures are off limits I apologize and ask that they be deleted, but I found this interesting in a way that is hopefully not considered forest porn. My son heard a commotion in our front yard on Saturday (we live 100 yards from Stokes and Tuckerton in Medford). A young Cooper's Hawk (I think) had apparently caught a Downy Woodpecker (I think).

 

[46er]

If these pictures are off limits I apologize and ask that they be deleted, but I found this interesting in a way that is hopefully not considered forest porn. My son heard a commotion in our front yard on Saturday (we live 100 yards from Stokes and Tuckerton in Medford). A young Cooper's Hawk (I think) had apparently caught a Downy Woodpecker (I think). View attachment 7079View attachment 7080 View attachment 7081

Correct on the Cooper's and that is a Red-belly woodpecker.

 

[Jon Holcombe]

Correct on the Cooper's and that is a Red-belly woodpecker.

Thanks for the correct ID. I can see where the interrupted pattern of the wings might camouflage the woodpecker on a tree from the back, but what's up with the red head? You'd think that's like ringing the dinner bell for a sharp eyed hawk.

 

[46er]

The eye of a bird is pretty amazing and varies with species. The bright feathers are primarily for mating; love has its risks

The Redheaded has a full red head, the Pileated is similar to the Red-belly in that just the crown is red. As you can see, the color and pattern is not meant for camouflage in these.

 

[JohnnyRook]

Thanks for the correct ID. I can see where the interrupted pattern of the wings might camouflage the woodpecker on a tree from the back, but what's up with the red head? You'd think that's like ringing the dinner bell for a sharp eyed hawk.

Hi, great photo's! The hawk in question is actually juvenile sharp-shinned hawk. Notice the toothpick-thin legs? The sharp keel on the shin can even be seen from which the hawk gets its name. Male cooperi can be pretty small, but their legs are never that skinny.

 

[Jon Holcombe]

Hi, great photo's! The hawk in question is actually juvenile sharp-shinned hawk. Notice the toothpick-thin legs? The sharp keel on the shin can even be seen from which the hawk gets its name. Male cooperi can be pretty small, but their legs are never that skinny.

Thanks for the clarification and welcome to the board. Trying to ID fauna and flora is not my strong suit, and I keep wondering when I retire if I will take the time to learn the science or just keep hiking and taking pictures? Actually I think I just answered my own question.