Sharp-shinned or Cooper?

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Folks

Think it is a adult Sharp-shinned Hawk but would like to be sure. Photographed in my garden this morning.

Thanks in advance

Gus

[Roy Priest]

I'll go with Coopers. Based on the eyes and leg size. Let the games begin.

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Roy;

Thanks. Appreciate your expertise.

Hope everything is going well in Cloverdale.

Warm regards

Gus
BC, circa `24

[John Chardine]

I almost fell nostalgic- a Cooper's/Sharp-shinned discussion has not come up for ages. I have to say I'm useless with the adult plumages like this one- note the reddish eye indicating an older bird. I think a name like "The Merlinator" must be a trump card here!!!!!

Tell us more about the eyes though Roy. I was of the understanding that both species go through the same colour changes as they age.

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Guys;

Here's another view that may help.
.
I took about 10 shots with flash & he didn't blink an eye

Thanks for your help from both coasts of Canada.

Best regards

Gus

[Steven Kersting]

I'd go with Cooper's. Sharp shinned adults tend to be paler overall.

[John Chardine]

The bands in the tail say something. In this one it looks like the ends of the primaries go well past the upper band. Does this mean what I think it means????!

[Steven Kersting]

The bands in the tail say something. In this one it looks like the ends of the primaries go well past the upper band. Does this mean what I think it means????!

Danged if I know...

[John Chardine]

Sometimes Sharp-shinned Hawks only show two tail bands below the wingtips compared to three bands for Cooper's.

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Folks;

I think this photo comfirms it is probably a male Coopers because of its size. Tail feathers indicative of a Coopers

Best regards

Gus

[Gus Hallgren]

How I determined size? Top layer of wall is 3 1/2", so I estimated bird to be about 16-17"

[John Chardine]

Looking at these views, I would agree Gus.

I think we would all agree that the Cooper's-Sharp-shinned question is a difficult one.

[Roy Priest]

I almost fell nostalgic- a Cooper's/Sharp-shinned discussion has not come up for ages. I have to say I'm useless with the adult plumages like this one- note the reddish eye indicating an older bird. I think a name like "The Merlinator" must be a trump card here!!!!!

Tell us more about the eyes though Roy. I was of the understanding that both species go through the same colour changes as they age.

John, sorry for the late reply, I have been in Oregon for the past week. The eyes are not "Buggy" enough for a sharpy. You are quite correct about the eyes changing the same as in Coops and Sharpys.

[Roy Priest]

Hi Roy;

Thanks. Appreciate your expertise.

Hope everything is going well in Cloverdale.

Warm regards

Gus
BC, circa `24

Hey Gus, sorry for the late reply, I have been in Oregon the past week. All's well in Cloverdale. If the rain would go away it would be perfect!