There’s nothing birders like better than a difficult identification, right? Here’s a challenge for you! I’ve previously posted this photo, though not for BPW (Ready for my closeup, February 25, 2008). Opinions varied, though I’m still calling it as a Sharpie.
Got birds?
{ 15 comments }
Kyle, that’s exactly how I felt on first glance. But once I did some research, I felt I could make an identification. It was very gratifying to have others come to same conclusion. I may have needed the test to be open-book, but at least I passed!
Awesome shot, Wren! I’m glad I was late to the party, ’cause I just had to shrug my shoulders before reading the other comments. I’ve only seen a couple of Coopers and only one Sharpie — and those were months apart — so I’ve got a lot to learn about these two. When it comes to hawks, I’m at that stage where it’s either Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Northern Harrier or “some other” hawk.
Larry, that’s the consensus. I still haven’t figured out I managed to grab the camera in time!
Dawn, I love taking advantage of my friends’ storehouses of knowledge.
Great shot! Looks like you have your answer..from the other birders here..Sharpie.
I must agree with Kathi, Wren. I would call it a gorgeous close-up of a juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk. The feather detail is beautiful. I was lucky enough to have a Sharpie visit my feeders one day but was not quick enough to capture the beauty on film.
Bird – thanks much. I just learned that the yellow eyes are a sign of a younger hawk.
bob – so glad you like – thanks!
scienceguy – you’re with the majority
I vote for sharpie. The contrast between the crown and neck of the head is less than I would believe it to be for a Cooper’s Hawk.
My vote is for a Sharpie, too. Great shot, by the way!
I’m in the UK and know nothing at all of US raptors… but wanted to say WOW, what an amazing image! Beautiful bird with a crazy looking eye.
Thanks, Gwen – I’m starting feel proud of myself that I figured this out.
Great photo. Looks like a sharpie to me.
Kathi – sharp-shinned has been the consensus, though not unanimous by any means. To see more of the bird, there’s another photo at : http://wrenaissance.com/birds/hey-whered-everybody-go/
Mick – thanks much!
Sandy – No one’s convinced me (yet) that it’s not a sharp-shinned, though there are some varying opinions.
I can’t wait for the verdict!
From the other side of the world – all I can say is that its a good photo!
Wow, this one is hard. All the things I usually use to tell the two apart are missing. Can’t see the legs, the tail, no reference to judge size, not flying so I can’t count the wingbeats. Also, it is a young bird (yellow eyes, vertical streaking on breast, not horizontal bars) not an adult, which adds to the challenge. I am going to go out on a limb (so to speak) and say Sharp-shinned, only because the head seems more rounded, the neck shorter, and I don’t get any hint of a dark “cap.”
Kathi
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