Yesterday this fellow flew into the school's side door where we enter everyday. He was stunned for a bit and then was taken over to the old rusted chain link barrier where he sat to be photographed. At that time I did not know who had taken the pictures. I was just handed the SD card, and asked to identify the hawk. I said I would put the photos up on my blog and see if one of my birding blogger friends could help me out. Today at lunch I found out that it was our reading specialist and yearbook sponsor, Amy Woody, who had taken them so I need to give her all the credit for the great shots. Now, the question is....what is he? I got out my Sibley book, and my guess is he's a hawk and possibly a northern goshawk. I do not see any orange on the head, his tail bands are uneven, and he looks speckled. So, I have decided it is not a cooper's hawk ( that is what one of the staff thinks it might be) but rather a juvenile goshawk...or a juvenile sharp-shinned hawk (a suggestion from TexWis Girl). His feathers look brownish in some shots and grayish in others depending upon the lighting. I may have it all wrong, but I am trying. Remember, I am a true new-be to the identification of nature's fauna.I need all the help I can get. As for Amy's pictures, I think she did one fine job.
i would guess sharp-shinned hawk, maybe.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful pictures. I never fret too much about who or what they are. I just enjoy them as birds. You did really great here.
ReplyDeleteNo idea of the ID but he's a very handsome fellow! Great photos.
ReplyDeleteI can't ID it for you but you got some wonderful shots of him!
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming he recovered and flew away after the portrait session. :)
Awesome photos! That rusty chain is a great perch! I'm not a bird expert, but I agree it looks like a Sharp-shinned Hawk. It does have some similarities to a Goshawk, but I'm leaning more toward the former. Very nice photos!
ReplyDeletehee hee....
ReplyDeleteThis is a Hawk, Genie!
Your photo reminded me that last week I photographed a hawk in my backyard that looks very similar to this one. Looking in my bird guide book I thought it was a Cooper's Hawk. I'll post it on my blog tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteYou've done a fantastic job!! The critical part of capturing criters is to have their eyes in focus, because it's the first thing you look at. The chain is a great perch. TexWis girl is my go-to person for bird identification.
ReplyDeleteAt first I thought...Merlin....but a Merlin, I believe has dark black eyes. I would say maybe a young sharp shinned hawk? Your guess is as good as mine. LOL
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you for linking up at the Bird D'Pot this week. And, hope to see you again whenever you have bird photos to share.
I enjoyed these images. They're great. I especially love the composition of it perched on the rusty chain links.
Young Sharp-shinned. The Goshawk would have a larger white tip on the tail. Also the back of a Goshawk will be more strongly patterned. Thank goodness we can shoot first and ask questions later in this digital age. Wonderful shots.
ReplyDeletei have not a clue but super photos! and perfect that he sat on the cool rusty chain link for you!
ReplyDeleteWhat perfectly beautiful photos Genie - you have captured the magnificant greatness of the bird and imagine he posed for you. Keep this up and all nature people will be after your photos. Great Job!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous photos of this majestic bird! We had one land across the street a few days ago but my camera does not have a very good zoom. Neat to see though!
ReplyDeletejust look at those menacing eyes.... love it
ReplyDeleteTexWs girl seem to be right. It is a juvenile Sharp-shinned hawk
ReplyDeletehttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sharp-shinned_Hawk/id
re your question. It is a spotting scope the woman is carrying. I have a similar one.
Wonderful captures. Look at those magnificent tail feathers!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures even if I cant help with the ID - but there seems to be a consensus growing in the comments.
ReplyDeleteCheers and thanks for linking to WBW
Stewart M - Melbourne
Looks like a Sharpie to me. You got excellant photos too!
ReplyDeleteYes, you can take the Yankee parking sign. I got that one Christmas from my sister that is a died in the wool Pirates fan. Enjoy!
I did see A-Rod was staying, and I suppose that's a good thing if he would get busy and start hitting the long balls! I was sorry though to see Russell Martin leave, but there again the Pirates win. I wish Cervelli would come back. I see potential there.
A beautiful day here, but rain on the way. Have a good one!
Tex is right, she is always right ;)))
ReplyDeleteA beauty of a capture, I photographed one recently and just about wet my pants! An exciting moment!!
Great shots! I agree with young Sharp-shinned.
ReplyDelete