This morning I saw a smallish raptor on a streetlight on Broadway in
Everett. It appeared to be an immature Cooper's or Sharp Shinned. Brown,
heavy streaking on the breast, no outstanding facial markings, yellow feet
and legs. It flew before I could get out of car to get a closer look. It
was quite tolerent of pedestrains on the sidewalk below it. In flight it
had the round wing, long tail outline of an accipitar. Size was bigger
than a Kestral. From leg size ( Bud Anderson says match stick size for
Sharpies and Pencil sized for Coopr's) I would call it Cooper's. Couldn't
see the tail tip, didn't notice for sure if there was a hint of a crest.

What other distinguishing markings are there to differentiate Sharpie and
Cooper? Esp. imm's. I'm going back on Thursday and then to the Everett STP
ponds.

Ted Becker tbecker at eskimo.com
(360) 794-3708 (FAX by appointment) or (360) 794-9329
26915 Van Brocklin Road, Monroe, WA 98272
"The worst day birding is still better than the best day working."