Editor’s note: This awesome view into the wild kingdom of Capitol Hill came to CHS via our newly restored community posting functionality. Anybody with a CHS account can add to the site — look for the “Post” link in the top menu after logging in. The most useful posts will be shared on the homepage.
Late yesterday afternoon I spied one of the Capitol Hill Cooper’s Hawks in the trees at Holy Names at 21st Ave East and Roy. I’ve seen them there a handful of times over the years.
The intense orange-yellow eye means its a juvenile. It was unperturbed by dogs and kids frolicking below for the ten minutes while I photographed.
Has anyone seen any nesting activity on the Hill? I know there have been successful nests in Interlaken and Volunteer Parks in the past few years.
Nice spotting! It’s always a treat to see raptors on Capitol Hill. That photo you shared shows some key identification features that will help in determining the maturity of that hawk. Pay special attention to the plumage colouration, the faintly scalloped rosy brick coloured breast indicates an adult hawk. Immature Cooper’s Hawks have streaky brown spots on a creamy breast. Good birding!
Is this the same type of hawk? Forgive my ignorance on raptors. I photographed it outside my window near Boylston and Harrison.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/docx/8520387206/in/photostream
Yes, it’s also a Cooper’s Hawk. Great photo!
Wow, lucky you! Fabulous shot!
I saw one flying over South Lake Union today (the neighborhood, not the Lake itself)!
I saw one of these hawks this evening, April 16, in Madison Park at about 27th and Mercer. Two crows had chased it into a large fir tree and were harassing it by turns until it got fed up and charged one of them so that the crow moved back several feet. I was able to get right under the tree so that I could see its underside very clearly–tail spread and creamy tummy and those large talons. Quite a treat.
Coolio!