Cooper's Hawk Wing Display

by Patti Deters

Title

Cooper's Hawk Wing Display

Artist

Patti Deters

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

"Cooper's Hawk Wing Display" by Patti Deters. This young Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is one of three siblings from an urban nest near St. Paul, Minnesota. This magnificent bird was perched on a tree branch and was stretching its wing while trying to look back at the camera, and you can almost feel the power and grace of the Cooper's Hawk with its sharp talons and piercing gaze. These captivating avian predators are also sometimes called chicken hawks. Medium-sized hawks, they have broad, rounded-edged feathers on their wings, a very long tail, a black crown, and a hooked bill. Juvenile Cooper's Hawks have brown outer feathers with brown streaks on the upper breast, and yellow eyes (but adults' eyes are red). The details of its feathers are simply stunning, showcasing the intricate patterns and colors of this incredible bird of prey.

As hunters, hawks kill with their strong feet and large, sharp talons for tearing. Though the term falcon and hawk are frequently used interchangeably, hawks are not falcons - falcons have a serration or “tooth” on the side of their beaks to deliver the killing blow. Though the Cooper's Hawk is not endangered, life for these young raptors can be tough - generally about 70-80% of all young raptors die before reaching adulthood. Overall, the image is a breathtaking representation of the beauty and complexity of nature, and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving the natural world around us. If you like this wildlife photograph, please see more outdoor and nature images at patti-deters.pixels.com.

Uploaded

September 26th, 2022

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