Sharp-shinned Hawk

[Bill Dix]

At least I think this is an immature Sharpie. Shortly after sunrise I saw something dive into a sprawling bush beneath my feeders, and then re-emerge to perch on a nearby tree. I grabbed the camera and figured he would probably fly if I opened the door. But he stayed put, even after I walked very close, almost beneath him. I took a number of shots as I got closer, but when I got too close both the background and the capture angle got worse, so this is from further away. A few branches removed.

I had initially labeled him (or her) a Cooper's but I've changed my mind based on the breast spots. (I'll have to go back and change my file name.) If anyone has a better idea please let me know. I'm reluctant to admit who he reminds me of.

D500, Sigma 150-600 @ 550mm; ISO 3200, 1/1250s @ f/7.1 manual. HH.

[Simon Davis]

Lovely light on the head of the hawk here Bill and a nice clean background. I'm not familiar with these North American hawks so can't comment on the ID.

Simon.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Beautiful capture, Bill. I was about to say I thought your original ID seemed correct, and looking at Cornell's website, I'm now not sure. I defer to the experts. Love that early morning light, and the pose.

Geoffrey




https://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[Randy Stout]

Bill:

Nice color harmony between the bird and background. Lovely light on the eye, good head angle.

Too bad about the shadow across the back, might be able to soften that a bit.

Lets see, a pompadour hairdo. Perhaps a "famous" politician?

Cheers

Randy

[arash_hazeghi]

nice warm colors bummer about the shaded areas and the busy branch

TFS

[Krishna Prasad kotti]

Nice Image. I like the Bird on the birds, wish there were no shadows.

Like the out of focus backgrounds.

Thanks for sharing.

[Jonathan Ashton]

I like it very much, lovely colours and varied light.

[Bill Dix]

Thank you all. The yellow eyes may in fact make this a Cooper's after all. And may distinguish it from Joe's "Hawk" which Isaac has ID'd as a Red-shouldered.

[Bill Dix]

I finally found time to revisit this. I've removed the most distracting twig, and reduced (but not entirely eliminated) the shadow on the bird. Thanks for your suggestions.