1st time ever (that I know of) (pics included)

[Tom Wilson]

I wake up the other morning, and I look out side, to see absolutely no birds anywhere... None at the feeders, none on the deck, none in the willow... the only bird I see is a dove huddled up against the cold in the myriad of branches of the Oak tree. Strange looking dove I think to myself, and awfully dang big too. Then I notice that the tail looks funny--Hey, wait a minute that's not a dove--I grab my binoculars and realize that it's a Sharp Shinned Hawk. I was thrilled to see a raptor in the yard, but then it dawned on me, he eats little birds... Uh Oh! So I did the only thing I could do--I relished in it for a little while and grabbed the camera. He was probably thirty yards away so the photos are not great, but at least I got a couple. After I took a few, I went out and had a very friendly discussion with him and told him that I've got too much time and money invested in the little birds at my house, and he would have to find somewhere else to feed. He completely understood, and I haven't seen him since. Just thought I'd share a couple of the photos.

and a cropped closeup

[Steve Foss]

Soooo nice when a raptor cooperates.

[buzzsaw]

Quote:

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I wake up the other morning, and I look out side, to see absolutely no birds anywhere... None at the feeders, none on the deck, none in the willow

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Tom, that is a tell tale sign that there is possibly a raptor in the area... My backyard butts up against Murphy Hanrehan park and we get our share of Raptors here.... I've had hawks buzz through my yard chasing blackbirds and thats exciting... well, not for the blackbird! Good pictures!