Hawk Alert

We noticed these three (2 Goldfinches and 1 female Purple Finch - we think) seeming frozen at the bird-bath this morning. We'd never seen this before. We do have Coopers Hawks in the area, but we couldn't see what these guys obviously could see. They remained motionless for 5 entire minutes - only looking up but otherwise completely immobile. There was also one Goldfinch at the feeder and one Red-breasted Nuthatch on a tree-limb above the bird-bath, and they too were not moving, not eating. It was a stunning and dramatic five minutes. We photographed them from indoors, not wanting to frighten them into flying.

Definitely a Hawk in the area...Ive witnessed this on several occasions....birds freeze...letting any Hawk nearby make the first move.

I've heard birders talk about some smaller birds "playing possum," but I've never seen it in person. I think you were lucky to see this event!

Wow, I've never seen my birds do this, but they do disappear into the trees and brush until the crows have chased off any raptor that come along.

My birds do the same thing as ducbucln's, disappear.

Interesting about the crows chasing the raptor away. How do I train mine to do the same thing????

Michael......what a great moment you were able to experience!

taxicat