Subject: [Tweeters] ID help? Flycatcher and accipiter in Lincoln Park
Date: Aug 12 15:40:40 2009
From: Trileigh Tucker - tri at seattleu.edu


Hello Tweets,

Once the sun finally came out I had the luxury of spending quite a while in
Lincoln Park (West Seattle) this afternoon. Although I was initially headed
for the "Wolery" (owl hangout area), I was only a few feet into the park
when I heard a ruckus of crows and jays. As I walked over, I saw a bird
flying low through the woods, and heard what sounded like a terrified
unusual jay-like squawk--perhaps from its prey.

I tried to follow that bird, at which the crows were successful, but I think
there must have been two hawks, because the crows went to a more distant
tree on the bluff and continued to mob loudly, and a separate bird landed
above me, with only minor jay accompaniment. I thought the bird might be a
juvenile from its behavior; it seemed kind of uncertain and a bit nervous.

I took a number of photos of this bird, and would really appreciate your ID
help; hawks aren't my specialty. I'm trying to choose between juveniles of
Cooper's and Sharp-Shinned, and I'm leaning toward the latter. But I could
be completely off:

www.flickr.com/photos/trileigh/3815362127/ (and three others, including a
"charming" one of the bird in flagrante delicto)

Then a bit later I spent time at a group of fireweeds and encountered two
flycatchers, which may or may not have been the same bird. (I feel less
embarrassed about not being able to properly ID them...but still slightly
chagrined.) Would anyone care to help?

Flycatcher(s): www.flickr.com/photos/trileigh/3816163634/ and two others

Thanks so much for any ideas...

Good birding,
Trileigh

*********************
Trileigh Tucker
Lincoln Park, West Seattle