MarkG

Eastern Phoebe by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

Great Blue Heron by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

I have to admit that when I first saw the bird my first thought was "Cooper's Hawk". I took probably 30 photos of the bird while it was perched and was convinced that I had gotten a few nice photos of a Cooper's. Most of the time, my first impression when making a bird ID is correct. But once I downloaded the photos and looked at them closely I kept thinking it looked more like a Red-shouldered Hawk, but I had convinced myself it was a Cooper's although the evidence was staring me in the face. I try not to be hard headed about identifying a bird, but I certainly was this time. Thanks again for all of your input.

This photo isn't as sharp as I would have liked, but I decided to post it. I normally see Cape May Warblers maybe 5-6 times a year and feel fortunate to ever get a photo of one. It was a bit unusual to see one this early in the year in this area (Chapel Hill, NC) and this was a long range shot which I cropped more than normal for me. Even though it isn't a real sharp photo, I was happy to get it. Cape May Warbler by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

Dang it! Thanks!

I'm thinking Cooper's Hawk, but not 100% sure...

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

Brown Thrasher by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

American Robin by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

Seen this morning in Chapel Hill, NC. Long range shots in unfavorable light and as usual, very shy bird. I'm fairly sure it's a Hooded Merganser, but would like a second opinion.

Eastern Towhee by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

Cooper's Hawk by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

Thanks to all.

A few inflight photos, cropped, from this morning in Chapel Hill, NC. I think it's either a Cooper's or a Shape-shinned, the bird seemed on the small side.

Cedar Waxwing by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr