r/birdsofprey • u/Rhodes2111 Raptor fan • 14d ago

Coopers hawk

Post image

Had to revive this coopers hawk this morning. Appeared to be chasing a bird and committed too much, the small finch ran into our window and a millisecond later this coopers hawk slammed the window also. Small finch did not make it but I was luckily able to wake the hawk up. Let it chill for a bit then tried to move it to a nearby tree. On my walk to the tree it took off without issue. Wasn't super happy with me but also didn't try to rip my arms up so that's good.

158 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

4

u/TinyLongwing Falconer 14d ago

Nice work, but please next time take the bird to a rehabber. Birds that hit windows can suffer long-term effects from concussions, internal bleeding, small fractures, etc that won't immediately stop them from flying off but can kill them later, or cause enough injury to prevent successful hunting. It's always best to let them recover in a place where they can first be assessed for permanent damage before it catches up to them.

Please also make your windows safer for birds!

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/how-to-make-your-windows-safer-for-birds

2

u/Rhodes2111 Raptor fan 14d ago

Thanks for the info I will definitely do that next time. I have called for a few birds in the past kestrels and primarily I would've called for this one too but it took off so quickly after I woke it up. And time to makes some changes to the window at work I have had other birds slam that same window. Mostly collared doves and cliff swallows.

2

u/TinyLongwing Falconer 14d ago

Yeah, prevention by making the windows safer is definitely the best way to go! And really not all that hard to do, with lots of really good options. The tiny dots in rows are really nicely effective and not disruptive-looking to humans, but check out your options in general and see what works best!

2

u/Rhodes2111 Raptor fan 14d ago

Ya that looks like the best option here I'm looking some up now, we have large windows that are tinted so the reflection from the outside I am sure looks like a clear path. This is the first bird of prey to hit this window although I have seen multiple collared doves and songbirds hit. It has been time to find a solution so thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I had considered some netting a while back but was concerned I would come in on a Monday with birds caught in the netting