While I was out walking thru the Pioneer Square/Occidental Mall area in
Seattle during lunchtime on Thursday, I heard an unfamiliar bird call,
looked up into the bare trees, and spied an accipiter. It was pretty vocal
during the 10 or so minutes I stood and watched it. Couldn't figure out why
it was calling so much, didn't see another hawk. Also didn't see any
prey-size birds in the area!

Friday I went back with my little bins, and again found an accipiter. Got a
better look this time and am pretty sure it was an adult Cooper's Hawk.
Dark cap on the head, thick tarsus (tarsii?), and overall size were what I
based my ID on. Only thing was, its call sounded a bit high for a coop.
Anyway, the bird flew from the trees behind the Grand Central Bldg and alit
near a nest in a tree across from the Bank of Amerca. Turns out there was
an immature Cooper's Hawk sitting in the nest. I guess that was who the
adult was calling to. I saw several pigeon feathers stuck to the nest so
figure that may be where the birds go to tear up and eat whatever they've
caught??

The adult took off, the immature watched it intently for a while. I
couldn't find the adult but assume the imm. could see it.

A fun way to spend lunchtime! Next week I plan to head back to see if the
birds are hanging around, this time w/my decent bins and maybe my scope.
Y'all who work nearby may want to check out the Occidental Mall for hawks!

Good birding,
Mary

Mary E. Klein
Bremerton WA
Cellobird -AT- Comcast.net

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