Weather-wise, it's another gray and dreary weekend. Nevertheless, I went for a walk at Pheasant Branch Conservancy yesterday to collect eBird data and take a few photos. Expected birds were present. I've only birded twice this month, but have been busy with other things. Come mid-March, I'll resume daily visits to the conservancy to catch the early migrants.
While scanning a mixed flock of sparrows, finches, and cardinals, a Cooper's Hawk darted through, stirring up quite the commotion among the songbirds. Varying strategies were used to avoid being captured and eaten. Many birds scattered for the dense tangle of undergrowth where they could hide, while others immediately took to the air. Nuthatches, juncos, and and some woodpeckers froze at their perches or clung to the sides of trees. Of the birds that took flight, some seemed to be pursuing the hawk, flying a just few yards behind it ... or is that the safest place to be?
Pheasant Branch, Dane, US-WI
Feb 9, 2013 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
22 species
Canada Goose
Cooper's Hawk
Mourning Dove
Great Horned Owl
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
American Robin
American Tree Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
House Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow