The highlight of my trip out to Cedar Key over the weekend was getting to see this beautiful Cooper’s hawk (Astur cooperii) perched in the top of a tall oak tree. The bird seemed very comfortable and content, but also quite alert. Like many of the birds in Cedar Key, especially in the downtown area, it didn’t seem particularly disturbed by people.

Cooper’s hawks are well known for liking smaller birds for prey. They seem to prefer doves and dove sized birds over the very small birds like sparrows and warblers. The Cedar Key area has lots of both mourning doves and collared doves, so it’s not surprising that a Cooper’s hawk would be attracted to the area. Fortunately, while we were watching, the bird seemed content to just watch the area. I love birds of prey (and many other predator species), but I have no desire to watch them kill something else.

That said, it was still wonderful to get to see and photograph this magnificent bird.