Not What You Want To See On or Near Your Coop

[dmorano]

Red Shoulder Hawk?

 

[tamglas]

Looks a bit like a cooper's hawk but not completely sure. You can google for images of different types of hawks.
We did had a cooper's hawk hanging out on the railing of our chicken's area a few weeks back. We didn't see it but the neighbors did and didn't realize the hawk could kill the chickens. I guess the hawk just watched the chickens for a short while and left. We have not seen any signs of it since and our girls are fine...knock on wood

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

That's a Coopers Hawk. And they are Federally Protected. Jail time and $10,000 fine for killing one. But only if you get caught. I have one around, but I also have 2 cats and a large dog that could easily kill one.I might help get it to the ground with some unmentionable help

 

[janinepeters]

I agree with the OP that it's a red shouldered hawk. One diagnostic feature is that the white tail bands are narrower than the dark tail bands on a red-shouldered, but not on a cooper's (or sharp shinned). In the 1st photo you can clearly see that the white tail bands are narrower. Also, the bird pictured doesn't have the dark crown typical of adult coopers or sharpies, and seems to have too much white mottling on the wings. In the 1st photo you can even see a hint of red on the bird's right shoulder.

 

[janinepeters]

...And the 3rd photo is gorgeous -- wish I had taken that photo!

 

[dmorano]

One more good picture. It is like wild kingdom in the yard today, found a tiny baby raccoon in the yard today. The hawk hanging out for an hour yesterday must have spooked mom.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Beautiful hawk, and i love your coop and pen! Maybe he was just there admiring it.