I always focus in on the shape of the tail.

Jane
Research Center
Foster Pepper & Shefelman PLLC
(206) 447-6474
fax:(206) 447-9700
1111 Third Avenue, 3400
Seattle, WA 98101-3299

>----------
>From: Diane de Ryss[SMTP:deryssmacon at halcyon.com]
>Reply To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
>Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 1997 9:25 AM
>To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
>Subject: Identity of Starling-devouring-raptor
>
>Cliff:
>
>I've seen what I believed is a sharp-shinned hawk in the Ballard
>neighborhood you've described.
>
>In truth, I find it EXTREMELY difficult to tell different hawks apart,
>especially when they go off into different phases.
>
>Can anyone out there in Tweeter land give a quick guide on how to
>differentiate a Cooper's from a Sharp Shin (without analyzing their
>shins!)
>
>Diane de Ryss
>deryssmacon at halcyon.com
>
>
>Cliff Drake wrote:
>>
>> Sunday morning while walking to the grocery store I was watching a group
>> of starlings feeding on the parking strip across the street (On 26 Ave NW
>> between 61st and 62nd in Ballard) when a fast blur swept in and grabbed a
>> starling. The rest flew away complaining loudly while the Cooper's Hawk
>> (just a guess, it was almost crow sized, but I'm sure it was an
>> accipter.) stood with the screaming starling in its talons. Crows flew in
>> from all sides, cawing and rattling, but not getting too close. The hawk
>> stood there until the starling was quiet then flew into a nearby tree
>> with its prize. I went on to the store to buy my dinner pre-killed in
>> neat plastic-wrapped packages. In spite of the sudden death it was quite
>> a sight.
>> =================
>> Cliff Drake
>> Seattle, (Ballard) WA
>> Birder at Juno.com
>