Its mostly likely a Juvenile Cooper's Hawk, they mainly eat birds. The juveniles in particular seem to be attracted to the commotion of a feeder. While full grown ducks are not usually targeted, they are at risk. Coopers are known to kill other big birds like chickens and pheasants. There was a recent special on Crows on PBS with researchers tagging crows with radio transmitters. Some of the transmitters ended up at the back in a Coopers nest. In the midwest, their favorite food is doves, but will eat anybird that visits your feeders. A couple of weeks ago, I saw one chase a finch and catch it after several figure eights through the trees. It was very impressive to see such a big bird chase a little bird and catch it.

Hmm.. I'll look up the cooper hawk and compare it the next time it shows up.

I didn't realized they prey on Crows. Crows are pretty big and tough.

Why aren't the squirrels concerned? There's one sitting like 6 foot from the hawk. Another two squirrel are munching away at the feeder within striking distance of the hawk.

I have seen a Coopers go after a squirrel, but after several tries he was unsuccessful. My squirrels also just seem to ignore the Coopers Hawks, but disappear when they see the Red Tail.

I don't think a squirrels are food of choice for a Coopers especialy a juvenile, but a Red-tail won't hesitate.

Here is a Juvenille Cooper's Hawk from early Oct. It landed in the neighbors tree and I thought it may be interested in some Juvy squirrels under they feeder. The squirrels were indifferent to him. I then noticed it was raining feathers under him and he already had dinner.

If it comes back, pay attention to the tail, the long tail is an easy way to identify.

The picture does look like him, but the breast was fluffier and it had less streaks. I guess the issue is that like sparrows, a lot of different species raptors look very much alike, but then again it took me a while to tell different sparrows apart.

A while back, a pair of really large hawks appear. These guys were huge. When they appear, everyone cleared out including the squirrels.

With luck, I'll see him again. Plenty of activity at the feeder. Hope he doesn't take the Red Belly. It's the only one I have seen. Plenty of house sparrows :-p