Great photo, Goodwin. I agree with the others. Looks like a first year Cooper's, based on stripes, tail feathers (outer shorter than inner) and coloration. Based on length, likely a male. Neat that you used the ruler overlay. Often there is no size perspective when an Accipiter photo is posted.


Dan Reiff
Mercer Island

----- Original Message -----
From: "Goodwin" <ksgoodwin at yahoo.com>
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 9:39:39 AM
Subject: [Tweeters] Sharp-shin or Cooper's hawk?







We just had another visit by our local Hawk; 1:30 PM 2/26/12; Kent. It was snowing so there are smugs on the picture, snow flakes. I would like to know the type; Sharp-shinned or Cooper's Hawk. It comes to our bird feeders looking for lunch; which it has taken at least twice this month alone; possible a Fox Sparrow and a Junco. I have included a real close up picture of the Hawk sitting on the Japanese Maple 20 feet away next to the feeder with a ruler superimposed on the photo for size. The bird measures 14.5 inches from head to tail. It looks like a Cooper's Hawk. Male / Female? I am thinking Female Coopers. Too small?




http://www.bluemelon.com/birdwatcher/backyardbirds#page-0/photo-2178485

Goodwin


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