The Moment After the Click | Cooper’s Hawk Sometimes you go to the image, sometimes the image comes to you, and sometimes the image just happens. Such was the case with this immature Cooper’s Hawk image. Also, with the leaves off the trees, it’s a bit easier to see wildlife. My walkabout along one of my favorite paths had been uneventful, which is often the case during the late fall months before winter really comes to northern Illinois. The trail winds around a small stream with many small hills up the banks. As I came up a hill, just within sight over the top of the hill, sat the immature Cooper’s Hawk. I quickly knelt down on one knee, out of the hawk’s sight. The trail parallels the stream and the tree where the hawk was perched. So, I made ready the camera and proceeded slowly along the trail. When the hawk noticed me, I stopped and backed away. Clicks!. Luckily, the light was nice. The hawk didn’t move. It had to be accustomed to people walking the trail. I’m glad to not have disturbed it. Although the Cooper’s Hawk is smaller than the Red-tailed Hawk, their sleek build and smooth plumage give them a more refined look. For the whole story with all images, see The Moment After the Click | a 7 Image Story.
