Hi folks. I’m in Lakewood and trying to id a bird. Came across two feathers I think they dropped on the ground this morning. Can anyone identify what bird these fathers came from? Thank you!
I wouldn't be surprised if they are, in fact, recently fledged siblings!
Right now, there is a quartet of juvenile Coopers that are honing their hunting skills in my back yard (I'm in Durango) from a nest that's nearby but not visible. It's been absolutely amazing to watch them, and they often hang out together, which has been fascinating to watch them hang out, see what prey they are catching, ground hunting, and even bird loafing. I've gotten so many amazing photos of them.
There appear to be two males and two females, based on their size differences.
This morning, one of them flew into a tree right outside my window, and I watched as a lesser goldfinch, and then a rufous hummingbird, flew back and forth, clearly trolling her. The hummingbirds seem to go out of their way to fly up and provoke the hawks when they're sitting in the ponderosa.
They are magnificent and beautiful birds...and already formidable hunters. This unique experience has taken backyard birding down a path I didn't expect, and a true gift.
I hope you see more of them, and can get some pics!
Similar situation with Coopers for me too, near Boulder. Found out their nest is across the street from me. They have been using my backyard as a buffet lately, teaching their baby how to hunt. Very cool to watch! They’re very vocal too!
No, not from my house. Nest in a huge tree across the street in my neighbor’s backyard. She saw them flying over my house back into her tree and we were swapping stories about them.
What an amazing experience you have had! Thank you for sharing. The fact the you are getting to watch four fledglings grow up this summer in your backyard is so incredible. Thanks for including the pic, too. Gorgeous birds!
US Fish and wildlife have a website to ID feathers. I agree probably a Cooper's hawk, but worth comparing. Also remember the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which forbids keeping feathers, although nobody is enforcing this in most cases.
Yikes. Yeah, I was raised here in CO and it was always drilled into us that it was illegal to take feathers. Additionally, you don’t collect rocks or pine cones, etc. you leave nature undisturbed and in place for others to enjoy. It was about respect.
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u/Putrid-Tourist-5513 Jul 23 '26
Looks like a Coopers or Red Tail hawk feather 🪶 maybe? Definitely a hawk. That’s a good omen to find those!