I have heard this weird squawk of a hawk the past few weeks in the woods. I have only seen the hawk on its own. Honestly the squawk is not exactly like the sounds I am hearing on different websites for a Cooper’s Hawk. I hear barred owls make sounds I do not hear on websites either though.
The hawk above is the original one I hear making the odd sound. In different light it appears to fit a Copper’s Hawk. It has orangish eyes and a blueish grey feathers on the back.
This one was with the original hawk on the same branch/ tree. This one was silent. I could not tell for sure, but it looked like it had prey by its feet. Something is coming out of its mouth on the left side.
In this light it looks like this second one has a blueish grey area on its back as well. I am guessing these are now a pair. Other hawks flying overhead in the same area were red tailed hawks. It seems like there are other birds of prey in the area this year. It may be why I am hearing less bluejays, etc.
I could hear this hawk constantly on my walk when I got within earshot. I think Mettatsunami was correct. It was looking for a mate. Keep enjoying your weekend!
Sharon's Iconic Travel Photography Blog 
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Such encounters feel holy to me. Today I saw Spotted Towhee, Red-shafted Northern Flicker, Black-capped Chickadee, Steller’s Jay. Delightful.
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Nice spotting! I could pick up the call of a red headed woodpecker but could not get a view of it. Merlin app confirmed the call. I guess it’s not so common to see here. Seeing a variety of wildlife is always an experience. Seeing owls makes my day.
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Fabulous photos as always, Sharon. I’m so envious of wildlife photographers – the skill, the patience and the joy your work brings to so many of us.
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Birds are so fascinating. Great post.
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It looks like a Cooper’s Hawk, Sharon. Glad to see it was enjoying a wee snack…
Here is my photo of one on our deck. They have the same pantaloons and barring on the tail feathers. Yours looks a little lighter but that might be a regional variation or the light conditions.
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Thanks for the confirmation. Light varies within minutes here. Clouds moving around gives variation.
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The hawk is doing a super-hero pose in the first picture! 💪
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Definitely looks proud!
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Update: Today one brought a stick to the same area flying tree to tree like they were trying to pick a nest location. The loud one was still squawking. It looks like they are looking to make a nest near the road.
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