Forgot to put California in topic header, sorry.
Might be an easy one for the US as probably have more experience (first time birding in the US). Just returned from 2.5 weeks birding in the East Bay area and this Hawk was briefly at Fort Mason Community Garden. Only have the one shot and with the nape obscured, wondering what people think. It flew off down behind trees so could not even get impression of head size.
Initially we had thought tail and banding was indicating SS, but looking again tail feathers could be a curve to it for a Cooper's. Chest does seem bigger to suggest SS but head seems more angular for Cooper's.
Other viewer thought the size was right for a Cooper's but something was not sitting right with him and thought it could be a large female Sharpie.
Any enlightenment?
Might be an easy one for the US as probably have more experience (first time birding in the US). Just returned from 2.5 weeks birding in the East Bay area and this Hawk was briefly at Fort Mason Community Garden. Only have the one shot and with the nape obscured, wondering what people think. It flew off down behind trees so could not even get impression of head size.
Initially we had thought tail and banding was indicating SS, but looking again tail feathers could be a curve to it for a Cooper's. Chest does seem bigger to suggest SS but head seems more angular for Cooper's.
Other viewer thought the size was right for a Cooper's but something was not sitting right with him and thought it could be a large female Sharpie.
Any enlightenment?
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