The first thing that we read about Cooper’s Hawks is that they are bird eaters. This is why every birdfeeder owner is wary of them. If a Cooper’s arrives, all of the small birds scurry for cover.

With this in mind, it was odd to find a juvenile Cooper’s actively pursuing squirrels this morning at Col. Sam Smith Park.

A little research tells me that, in addition to songbirds, Cooper’s Hawk diet includes mice, chipmunks, squirrels, frogs, snakes and insects.

For many years, eastern United States’ pet shops sold a pinkish finch which was nicknamed the “Hollywood” finch. At some point it was discovered that this is a native bird from the southwestern states and Mexico called a House Finch. Native birds cannot be sold as pets. Over time, many of these colourful birds were released and started to spread. I saw my first in Toronto in the 1980’s.

There were several at Col. Sam today:

Other birds:

Today’s group:

NATURE VERSE

And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything.
I would not change it. – Shakespeare

Miles Hearn