Behavior of Hawks

It perhaps goes without saying that in observing hawks through all angles, you are also observing the behavior of that hawk (Re: Commentary below). Visually challenged hawk-watchers such as myself rely as much on behavior as physical characteristics such as flapping, turning diameter in thermalling, etc. And, speaking of hawk behavior, I have noticed the past couple of years that Vultures will flap hurriedly at the approach of a Bald Eagle - my impression being that they are trying to get above the flight path of the Eagle. I also have noticed that in a thermal with Vultures the Eagle will be on the bottom. Just observations. This Spring I saw a Coopers turn into a Harrier. We generally have nesting Coopers in our neighborhood, but I did not find a nest this Spring. Nevertheless, we saw a lot of Coopers Hawks. Repeatedly, I saw Coopers begin to flap with ninety degree wing beats and circle like Harriers. It was perplexing. Katie found a reference in Liqouri's fine book about this behavior (page 33) so note carefully what you see in the Spring.

Speaking of Harriers, here's a photo I got this week:




bill james