Red Car Canyon Adjacent: Cooper's Hawk

Photo: Jonathan Vandiveer, May 29, 2014.  Cooper's Hawks nest in Red Car Canyon and hunt in Vandiveer's yard. (Click on photos to enlarge.)  

Only the day before, Vandiveer was mourning the loss of another Mourning Dove to a Cooper's Hawk.  The doves hang out on the power lines above his patio, the Cooper's Hawks catch & eat the doves, leaving feathers and remnants on his tarp & patio.

Photo: Jonathan Vandiveer, May 29, 2014.  Dubbed "Cooper Criminal," Vandiveer wrote,

"Here's the little murderer. Caught him hunting our populous lizards and snakes along both sides of our fence line.  Hey dude! Stick to doves please those lizards eat our flies!"  

Photo: Jonathan Vandiveer, May 29, 2014.  It is very rare to get the opportunity to take so many photographs of the elusive Red Car Property Cooper's Hawks.  Lately, I've been hearing their distinctive calls way up in the trees where Red Car Canyon opens into the meadow at the south end of the Red Car Property.  Learn more about Cooper's Hawks & listen to their calls: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Photo: Jonathan Vandiveer, May 29, 2014.  While Cooper's Hawks may be common in other parts of the country, in California & Los Angeles, their numbers are dwindling.  Their presence merits special attention under CEQA, when development applications come under environmental review by City Planning.  Since Cooper's Hawks are forest dwelling, Red Car Canyon with its steep slopes and tall trees is ideal habitat for them. 

So if you live on Lake View Ave, Riverside Place, India, Roselin, Corralitas Drive or Silver Ridge Ave & any type of hawk frequents your backyard, take photos & send them to us (in .jpg format please) with time, date & as much behavior information you can add: redcarproperty@gmail.com.