I started new theme today - woodpeckers! This wild-eyed clown of a woodpecker is found in the far western states of the US, south through Mexico and Central America, and into Colombia. The Acorn Woodpecker hangs out in social groups, caches acorns and other foods in holes that it excavates in decayed trees and telephone poles, and in general is a delight for us birdwatchers. We saw this guy at Cave Creek Ranch in Portal Arizona in April.

Acorn Woodpecker, Melanerpes formicivorus, Portal Arizona

The cold blustery weather continued today, but it didn't keep this Cooper's Hawk from the need to hunt. This one can often be found near the horse barns on the UConn campus, where it chooses from among pigeons, starlings and cowbirds. This group of hawks (formerly genus Accipiter) are bird-hunters, whereas the other three raptors from Horsebarn Hill that Jorge has already shared here will primarily take mammals.

Cooper's Hawk, Astur cooperii, Mansfield Connecticut