MarkG

Louisiana Waterthrush by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

Cedar Waxwing by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

White-eyed Vireo by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

American Robin by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

OK, I realize these days a lot of us have extra time on our hands. For some reason this bird popped into my head this morning. These are photos I took in May 2012 in the area around Playa del Carmen down in the Yucatan. I have never figured out what this bird is, I only have a few guesses in my head. Way back I posted some of these photos to see if anyone had any ideas, but at the time I don't recall anyone coming up with anything solid. It seems there are a lot more birders on this site now, so I thought I'd post the photos again.

Chipping Sparrow by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

Carolina Chickadee by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

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

Well, I'm back to North Carolina winter birds, although coming upon a flock of Cedar Waxwing's eating berries was nice. Cedar Waxwing by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr

I couldn't decide which one I liked better... Rufous-tailed Hummingbird by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr Rufous-tailed Hummingbird by Mark Goodwin, on Flickr