Feel free to capture or screenshot any image for personal use (Shift + Command + 4 on Mac) or (Windows + Shift + 4 on PC) : drag a box over your desired image, then drag or save to your desktop.. In lieu of payment, please consider making a donation to the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, Monterey Audubon Society, or animal rescue group of your choosing. All Photographs BY JH Kilbuck

Cooper’s Hawk

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.