Photo 24637422, (c) Harsi Parker, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Harsi Parker

Attribution © Harsi Parker
some rights reserved
Uploaded by harsiparker harsiparker
Source iNaturalist
Associated observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)

Observer

harsiparker

Date

September 16, 2014 02:03 PM PDT

Description

More often than not, I'm inclined to just say "Accipter sp." I don't mind leaving something at genus and the more I talk to other experienced birders about just how tricky it is to tell Sharp-shinned from Cooper's, the more convinced I am that this is the smart choice to make most of the time.

My photos leave a lot to be desired, but based on the field marks that are visible, combined with the very small size of this bird (see the last photo for comparison with Steller's Jay perched nearby), I'm going to take a deep breath and call this one a Sharp-shinned. Contradictory opinions and input happily considered!

Sizes