Sharp-Shinned and Cooper's Hawks are regulars at many feeders during the
winter, even in the most urban settings, most Sharp-Shinned Hawks I have
found are Juviniles, while most Coopers Hawks are adults.  These birds feed
mostly on smaller birds, and are not usually affected by rodent populations.

The Red-Tailed Hawk was likely doing very well, until the snow started to
pile up and the cold came.  It must be rather hungry if it is going after
small birds.



Will Raup
Albany, NY




>From: Holly Hungerford <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Vermont Birds <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Coopers hawk
>Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 15:47:48 -0500
>
>It seems as though there are more reports of hawks at feeders this winter
>than before. Has anyone else noticed this? Could it be because the rodent
>population has fallen, if it has? We've had several visits from Sharpies
>since the fall and also have a Red-tailed that hangs about and
>occasionally attempts to pick of one of the smaller birds. Both these
>visitors are new to our feeders.
>
>Holly Hungerford
>Charlotte, Vt.