This year a pair of Cooper's Hawks nested in a pine tree in a yard 
about 200 feet from my house here in Salisbury. It was fun watching 
the adults sitting in the various large oaks and pines in the 
neighborhood. I was surprised that the hawks didn't seem to be 
bothered by people looking up at them. A neighbor first spotted the 
nest about the same time I was attracted to the birds by jays 
harassing them. More jays than I knew were here would congregate to 
harass the hawks. The birds started their nesting activity in late 
April and two young fledged 2-3 weeks ago. The two young are still in 
the neighborhood and can be heard throughout the day as they chase 
each other about. They often come very low through my yard and land 
in local trees. They respond well to my mimic whistle and will often 
approach to investigate the intruder. Before the young hatched I 
always knew when the adults were hanging around.  After the young 
hatched I noticed jay feathers in the yard next door. Needless to say 
there is now less harassing of the hawks by jays.

I was quite surprised that the birds nested in an active residential 
area only one block from Salisbury University. There's hope for birds 
that acclimate to people.



Charles Vaughn
1306 Frederick Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21801

410-742-7221