These photographs are free to download for educational or personal digital sharing, provided clear credit is given to the photographer (JH Kilbuck). In lieu of payment, please consider making a donation to the local SPCA Wildlife Rehabition c enter, Monterey Audubon, or animal rescue group of your choosing.

Cooper’s Hawks

Designed for speed and maneuverability, the Cooper’s Hawk is an agile ambush hunter that rules the dense forest canopy. Equipped with short, rounded wings and a long tail, this medium-sized raptor is the ultimate scourge of songbirds and small rodents. Don't underestimate their voracity—when it comes to defending their nest, these fierce accipiters have no problem fighting well above their weight class. Even a massive Red-tailed Hawk will relent under their aerial assault and allow itself to be escorted out of the area.