Hey Fellow Ohio Birders,

 

I have a young Coopers Hawk in my yard.  I know that is not unusual or even list worthy, however I have a question about eye color and plumage.  On July 8th I had one come in the yard and eat lunch.  I got one photo.  Then last night I was lucky enough to have one enjoying its dinner in the tree in our neighbor’s yard.  I was thinking they were probably the same bird until I looked at the photos.  The one from July 8th has red eyes and the one from yesterday has yellow.  
 
I know that the eyes change color.  I know they start out with yellow eyes and that they change from yellow to red.
 
My question is when do the eyes change and when does the plumage change.  Here a bird from July was in its immature/juvenile plumage, but has the eyes of an adult.  Then the second bird (2 months later) still has yellow eyes and immature/juvenile plumage.  Any insight would be appreciated.  Is the bird with the red eyes a year old and possible the parent of the other one?  
 
 
Here is the link to the Photos: http://redtail.smugmug.com/Birds/Raptors/Young-Coopers/9580325_TWMPc#644744418_AAUTk
 
 
Happy Birding,
Bruce Miller
Columbus, OH
 

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