When I was taking this image a few days ago at Bosque del Apache I assumed it was a juvenile sharp shinned hawk because of its small size. But now looking at the picture, I'm debating juvenile Cooper's hawk.
I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.
Posted by Luke Ormand on February 17, 2010 at 11:54 AM
I'd go toward Sharpie based on the rounded tail feathers and pencil legs. Great shot btw, I'd love one like this of either a Cooper's or a Sharpie
- Luke
Posted by David Graham on February 17, 2010 at 12:33 PM
Nice shot!
The rounded tail steers me toward a Juv. Cooper's hawk. The "pencil legs" and somewhat gracile physiognomy suggest that it's a male. A squared-off or even slightly indented end of the tail would suggest a sharpie.
Now... having said all that, there are occasional sharpies with ever-so-slightly rounded tails... but not (IMHO) THIS rounded, so, my bet is still on a Cooper's.
Dave Graham
Estelline, SD
Posted by Luke Ormand on February 17, 2010 at 2:10 PM
There I go, mixing up my Hawks again! As David correctly pointed out, the Cooper's has the rounded tail, so I'll have to change my answer to Cooper's.
As for gracile physiognomy. . . well, I haven't the SLIGHTEST clue what that means!
Posted by Nate Chappell on February 17, 2010 at 7:29 PM
Discussion
4 repliesI'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.
- Luke
Nice shot!
The rounded tail steers me toward a Juv. Cooper's hawk. The "pencil legs" and somewhat gracile physiognomy suggest that it's a male. A squared-off or even slightly indented end of the tail would suggest a sharpie.
Now... having said all that, there are occasional sharpies with ever-so-slightly rounded tails... but not (IMHO) THIS rounded, so, my bet is still on a Cooper's.
Dave Graham
Estelline, SD
As for gracile physiognomy. . . well, I haven't the SLIGHTEST clue what that means!