January 9, 2017
Pacific Northwest
One of the most difficult and contentious questions out there for nature observers, sure to start a heated discussion is this one:
Is it a Cooper’s or a Sharpshinned Hawk?
Even experts will wrangle about this, and for raptor novices like me, I’m rarely willing to go out on a limb to say it’s one or the other.
So I’m going to let you decide about this bird who perched in a fruit tree in my backyard for 15 minutes or so yesterday. I have my own opinion, and we can compare conclusions in the comments. I’ll provide a few pictures, and one short video, plus some fact-sheets from Feederwatch at Cornell University.
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge.
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We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
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These similar-appearing birds are both accipiters, aka sparrowhawks, relatively small, slender birds of prey who swoop in fast to snatch smaller birds in short chases. They hunt in woodsy brushy habitats, and their short broad wings give them agility darting through branches. They are attracted to birdfeeders for the obvious reason.
Fact-sheets
Sharpie on left, Coop on right. For better resolution images of these fact sheets, go to feederwatch.org/...
Images of this individual from different positions:
Here’s the setting, which will give you a sense of size. I’m looking at the bird through my window, across the deck.
and this is a short video I took standing outside in the yard by the garden railing. We went in and out of the house at one point while it was perched there and it was not concerned with our presence, so I figured it wouldn’t mind if I stood 30 feet away to film. As you can see, the hawk knew I was there but didn’t care.
It was perched just like that the whole time, didn’t move around or to a different branch.
So, what’s your conclusion — adult or juvenile, Coop or Sharpie?
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Also,
I’m adding this bird to my BirdRace list. If anyone else is interested in getting involved in the friendly competition (mostly with oneself), join the fun! This introductory diary will give you the details. www.dailykos.com/...
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It’s Bucket time now too….what are you seeing in your natural neighborhood?
"SPOTLIGHT ON GREEN NEWS & VIEWS" IS POSTED EVERY SATURDAY AT 5:00 PM PACIFIC TIME AND WEDNESDAY AT 3:30 ON THE DAILY KOS FRONT PAGE. IT'S A GREAT WAY TO CATCH UP ON DIARIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED. BE SURE TO RECOMMEND AND COMMENT IN THE DIARY. |