I came downstairs and looked out the back window to where the feeders are hanging under the oaks and there was a bird out there on the ground. Much larger than the usual visitors, I realized it was a Cooper's Hawk. I backed slowly away from the window to go get binocs, watching as the bird swiveled it's head back and forth, seemingly nervous. The fallen leaves are thick out there, so the legs were hidden. As I stepped back the hawk lifted off and as it did I could see a red feathered shape clutched in it's talons. I went right out there, and indeed there were two body feathers and one long, lone primary wing feather on the ground, from a male Northern Cardihal. The windy conditions and blowing leaves were perfect cover for an early morning ambush.

James Brooks east of McDonough (Henry Cty) GA

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