Wildlife signs walk - Hudson Valley NY- January

It's amazing what one can see on a warm winter's day in late January. I decided to keep to exploring the pasture land near where I live, in anticipation of moving soon. I was hoping to see some hawks as I wanted to try to identify them. We actually had at least three different types here over the summer but most seem to have migrated. The Coopers hawk was the only one who stayed this far north for the  winter.

   Looking up as an observer from below, the hawk could be described as a much whiter looking bird.   The over all appearance of the hawk when seen from the ground level is a vision in tan bands on a background of mostly cream color. Probably a juvenile.  The hawks I saw were at least the size of a crow. I found out that Cooper's hawks live all over the US and into Canada.   It is an excellent flyer, thought to be very adaptable to human activity and can often be found in places where other hawk's are not able to survive.  Cooper's hawk is adept at catching it's prey in the air, and seems to prefer birds. They were once extensively hunted or shot because chicken farmers believed they ate their birds and are still commonly called in some places" the chicken hawk".   Cooper's hawks also eats rodents such as mice, squirrels, and chipmunks. It will eat rabbits, fish, insects, and other animals including amphibians and reptiles. It's definitely not only adaptable but a predator with keen eyesight, and sharp talons that can crush it's prey.The males are the ones who will build the nest, and help to provide most of the food for nesting females and young.

The field looked something like this picture but much longer and broader.  After the two hawks circled high overhead a couple of times, one suddenly flew over my head while the other circled off in the other direction toward the woods. ...... Such quick and efficient fliers! Even though we have a lot of other birds around including some of this type of hawk's favorite foods. I can't help but notice the other birds seem to know where to hide, are overwintering, and chose to remain here. Despite the two hawks, this area is rich in bird life. Must be lots of food and cover for everyone.

 I heard a scuffling sound. Suddenly two doves flew out of this cover at a bend in the field. A rabbit raced off at my approach. I could only identify the rabbit by that unmistakable cotton tail.

The bark was eaten off of two of the birches in thin strips. About as high as my knee.Too low to the ground for deer. A small mammal perhaps a porcupine could have eaten this bark. It would be about the right height.

This tree in another part of the field, ends in a mass of shaggy vines. Doesn't look like the classic outline of a walnut tree but then again its covered with vines. That or someone dragged a lot of walnuts under it.

  Many walnuts are open or empty in this setting and the black round thing, which I first thought was something else, is the tough outer walnut shell that is green when fresh, but turns darker later. Turns out squirrels, raccoon, bear and turkey will all eat walnuts... how the turkey cracks it open, I don't know. I have seen squirrels, turkeys and raccoon around here.

Near by the pile of walnuts is an ear of corn.  The corn field has been cut now and isn't too far away. I've seen some whole ears of corn dragged to some strange places around here. Perhaps a raccoon was feeding on this one, or some other critter feeling safer in the thickets and brambles.

This one could be a hut for me. It's got an opening that is smooth and clear of brambles inside.

Some animals prefer to just live in a hole in the ground. It works for them. Nice and warmer below the surface away from the cold winds and freezing temperatures outside during the winter. Not hard to imagine this burrow could have different chambers, maybe some for eating and others for sleeping.


Like to thank:
Wikipedia for picture of the Cooper's Hawk. This hawk picture was taken in Toronto Canada in November of 2004. See 2004 (Nov) file Accipiter- Cooperii- O1.jpg. ... I got some info on hawks from Audubon. org and Peregrine.org if anyone is interested in more information on different types of hawks.