As the sun was setting on the last day of 2023, the last bird I saw was a neighborhood Cooper’s Hawk. I shared that sighting with my neighbor, Shane, and his son, Kadence.
Neighborhood Cooper’s Hawk – November 2022 – Nikon D500, f9, 1/500, ISO 500, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I always look forward to seeing what bird will be the first bird I see in a New Year. Last evening, I wanted to know which would be my last of the year.
Last night, Shane and I talked about the Cooper’s Hawks we see in the neighborhood and about the lack of birds we are seeing lately too. Shane and I text each other about new or neat birds in the neighborhood. I also do that with Kimmy, his wife. I love our neighborhood bird chats!
In 2024, the common name for Cooper’s Hawk should change
I am 100% behind the commitment of the American Ornithological Society (AOS) to changing all English-language names of birds within its geographic jurisdiction that are named directly after people.
I really don’t care if other people have a different opinion about that than I do; I don’t seek their approval for my own thoughts.
What I do know is that the name “Cooper’s” says nothing descriptive about this hawk species; it simply sounds possessive. Even arrogantly possessive.
“Pale-naped Hawk,” “Dark-capped Hawk,” or even “Forest Hawk” sound much better because they either describe the appearance of the hawk or the habitat we can often find them in. I’m looking forward to seeing what the new name for this hawk species will be.
Today
As I write this, it is still pitch dark in northern Utah on this first day of 2024. I don’t know what the first bird I will see this year will be, but I do know I will be happy, even excited, to see what it is.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Cooper’s Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Love the pic. Addressing the rebranding of bird names, and taking into consideration that this is your first bird pic of the New Year, I think “Mia’s” Hawk has a nice ring to it.
I’m looking forward to what you have in store for us this year. It’s gonna be fun! Thanks Mia.
Happy New Year, Mia, and thanks for all your post. I’m looking forward to the new names, too – hoping they’ll be more descriptive of the bird.
Happy New Year My Friend!
Happy New Year Mia! 🥳
We are lucky to have a neighborhood Red-Shouldered Hawk. We hear it every day and see it occasionally. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year. I am in complete agreement with you about naming conventions and hope that 2024 is good to you – and the birds.
Happy New Year!! May 2024 be very good to you! And may you see lots of wildlife through your viewfinder.