29 Comments
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Jan 19
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Neil Barker's avatar

Yeah, that's what suprised me as well. I think maybe the Cooper's was annoyed (?) with the Pileated or something. haha.

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Michael's avatar

Those in the past are already gone

Those in the future have not yet arrived

Those in the present tarry not even for a moment.

Who then is it that sees the hawk?

When the question arises, so too the answer.

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Neil Barker's avatar

What seeks the questions and to what end? :)

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Michael's avatar

I could answer you but my mouth is not wide enough.

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Michael's avatar

Always a pleasure, Master Neil! Few have your capacity.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Same Michael and always appreciated!

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Aria Vink's avatar

Lucky! The Cooper’s hawk is such a delight to observe. They are very good observers themselves. I love them!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Aria and I was definitely lucky to see this hawk that day!

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Doug Jonas's avatar

beautiful words and images, Neil .. and I really enjoy the comments here too!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thank you Doug and much appreciated!

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Ann Collins's avatar

Always love seeing the fresh beauty of a new day through your eyes, Neil.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thank you Ann and much appreciated. It's nice when Nature reveals itself with a little luck and timing.

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nettie glickman's avatar

beautiful bird/photos. they live in the park next to me and can be seen feeding their babies; if you are lucky. Loss is mitigated by beauty and when it isn't wailing helps.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thank you Nettie and much appreciated. Nice that you are able to see them as well nearby. I was lucky seeing this one - luck and timing I suppose.

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

Beautiful as always! I haven't seen a single raptor this year. Hard to believe but maybe less so considering I've been birding mostly around the house. Still, as busy as the feeders have been, I'm surprised a Cooper's Hawk hasn't dropped by...

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Nathaniel and much appreciated! This was my first hawk of the year. Hopefully you get a chance to see a raptor soon. I imagine with the busy feeders, only a matter of time for one to drop in soon.

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

Beautiful silo and photo series, Neil. That must have really been something to see the Cooper's hawk in pursuit of the Pileated woodpecker.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Heidi! This was definitely interesting to see - I've never seen a Cooper's Hawk sharing a Pileated Woodpecker before. They're nearly equal in size!

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

I'm still hoping to see a Pileated. Apologies for the autocorrect. I do realize that you write Sijo poetry not Silo poetry. The end.:)

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Happy 2025 Cooper's Hawk! Thank you for being Neil's friend!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Pamela! This encounter was a nice way to start 2025!

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James Freitas's avatar

Beautiful photos Neil! Let’s hope 2025 turns out to be another year of the Cooper’s Hawk

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks James and much appreciated! Definitely a possibility!

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Scot Quaranda's avatar

I just saw my first Cooper's Hawk of 2025 and it made me think of your local friend!

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Neil Barker's avatar

That's great to hear on your first Cooper’s Hawk sighting of 2025, Scot!

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Lois Thomson Bowersock's avatar

It amazes me that you see so many incredible birds and animals and capture such gorgeous photos of them. I live in the middle of a forest, and I hear a lot of creatures, but I sure don't have an eye for them the way you do, Neil. Your work is amazing!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Lois and much appreciated! I've been really fortunate seeing the birds and wildlife in this conservation area.

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Emma Liles's avatar

Such beautiful plumage 🪶

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Neil Barker's avatar

Agreed Emma!

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