The Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is the most common raptor on Hogsback Acre. Based on the color of its plumage, this hawk was born this year and is experiencing its first winter season. This hawk captured and ate an American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) after first trapping it in a shrub adjacent to a platform feeder. After capturing the Goldfinch with its talons, the Cooper's Hawk carried its prey onto the limb of a maple tree and consumed the entire bird within a few minutes. The hawk remained there for another 30 minutes before flying away.
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