ID that Bird

ID that Bird · Posted by *8540tomg*, 09-07-2009, 08:00 AM

OK ornithology guys I'm pretty sure this is an immature Sharp-Shinned Hawk I've been looking for all summer. Just caught a glimpse today and barely had time to squeeze of a few sorry images from quite a distance. Not the greatest shots but the best I could manage.

Pretty sorry images but should siffice for identification.

Tom G

*Bokehboy* · 09-07-2009, 08:04 AM

I think it is an immature Cooper's Hawk:

Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks — Great Backyard Bird Count

Lowell Goudge · 09-07-2009, 10:43 AM

how big was he/she?

it looks proportioned differently than my Merlin
also resting on both talons, merlins are depicted in my books as resting on one.

i would think sharpshinned

*8540tomg* · 09-07-2009, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by Lowell Goudge

how big was he/she?

it looks proportioned differently than my Merlin
also resting on both talons, merlins are depicted in my books as resting on one.

i would think sharpshinned

Size is hard to gauge Lowell. He/she was quite a distance from me and flew off as I tried to get closer. These are terrible images but the best I could manage. I'm pretty sure its a Sharp-Shinned hawk.

Tom G

MO-bran · 09-07-2009, 01:01 PM

I looked in my bird book and I believe it is a immature Cooper's Hawk too. They often have an unstreaked belly like your bird and the Sharp shinned has streaks all the way down. The wing and back match to the Cooper's too. Sharp shinned is more brown.

*Bokehboy* · 09-07-2009, 03:01 PM

Take a look at the tail. Center feathers are the longest, feathers rounded on the ends and tipped with a white band. Coopers Hawk for sure.