Jim Highberger Posted June 22, 2021 Share Posted June 22, 2021 Gray overcast rainy at time of observation so photo quality not good. First heard the hawk - sounded similar to Cooper's Hawk recording on eBird. Small in size (too large for Sharp-shinned I believe) and with longish tail. Brownish compared to mature Cooper's. Initially concluded it was an immature Cooper's but a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks had chicks this year so wondering if it might be immature Red-shouldered Hawk? Guidance and analysis as always would be appreciated. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Leukering Posted June 22, 2021 Share Posted June 22, 2021 Coop 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulK Posted June 22, 2021 Share Posted June 22, 2021 Some analysis to go with Tony's ID: wings coming just down to base of tail while perched indicates accipiter over buteo, and in the second photo it looks capped with that pale line running from the cheek round to the back of the head, suggesting coop (along with relatively small forward eyes on the large blocky head). 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted June 22, 2021 Share Posted June 22, 2021 (edited) The last two shots show an accipiter's longer tail. The next-to-last shows the narrow bands on the underside of the tail. @Jim Highberger I have no clue why I enjoyed looking at this particular bird so much, but I certainly did. Thanks! Edited June 22, 2021 by Charlie Spencer 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonestranger Posted June 22, 2021 Share Posted June 22, 2021 To add to what has already been said, the 4th shot with the raised tail shows the outer tail feathers are shorter than the inner feathers, which is another feature to help separate Coopers from the similar looking Sharp-shinned Hawk. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Highberger Posted June 22, 2021 Author Share Posted June 22, 2021 Wow - and thanks to all for the information and analysis. The length of tail I thought was a deciding factor of Cooper's vs. immature Red-shouldered but the details y'all provided really help a relative newcomer like me. And the comparisons noted vs. Sharp-shinned great information to keep on file. Really appreciate your inputs and this forum Thank you! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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