Wow, what an exciting and beautifully captured encounter with nature! It must have been a real thrill to finally have the chance to see that hawk up close, especially after hearing its calls for weeks. The way you described its presence—perched in the oak tree and later flying into your yard with sunlight streaming through its feathers—paints such a vivid and magical picture. Moments like these remind us of how special it is to connect with the wildlife around us.
Your ditty about "Old man Cooper" is an absolute delight! It adds such a fun, lighthearted touch to the story, perfectly complementing your joy at the hawk's visit. I also love your balance of admiration for hawks with your practical approval of their rodent-eating habits (and cheeky dismissal of mice for their lack of musical contributions 😆).
As for hawks, many people do find identifying them tricky since their species often have subtle distinctions, but your description strongly hints at a Cooper's Hawk! Their presence year-round in your area and the prey you mentioned certainly align with their behavior. It’s fascinating that they’ve chosen your environment as a home.
I do see stories and photos of hawks being admired in various regions, occasionally in California I come across one. Your narrative, however, stands out as one so intimately tied to your appreciation of both the bird and your surroundings. This written article of hawks journalizes them and snapping pictures makes for an even deeper connection with these amazing creatures, sis!
!LADY
!BBH
RE: Cooper's Hawk