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Age-old Coopers vs Sharp-shinned hawk North Caroloina (1 Viewer)

ebwilderae

ebwilderae

Well-known member
Had just a brief look at this bird that appeared intermediate in size. If did accipiter flaps once then glided the remaining 1/3rd mile out of view in an open area. Head projection suggested sharpie but I wonder if that is just the angle as the tail suggests more a Coopers.
 

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Sharp-shin, based on the apparent small size of the bird flying through the branches and short head projection.

Bob
 
I say Cooper's: long, rounded tail with noticeable white tip, and as Andy said, much more likely than Sharp-shin to be in North Carolina right now.
 
Microtus said:
I say Cooper's: long, rounded tail with noticeable white tip, and as Andy said, much more likely than Sharp-shin to be in North Carolina right now.
Click to expand...

Personally, I’d want more than a dorsal view of the tail as a basis for a positive ID. Dto for the argumentum ad ebird (“much more likely” etc).
 
Much appreciated! Good stuff all of it and yes it is a shaky picture I thought angle could well be mis-leading. I am curious re the eBird reference, indeed it shows just the one in Buncombe Co. When I look I get many more including the one that hit our feeder in 8/2010 https://ebird.org/map/shshaw?neg=tr...mr=on&bmo=8&emo=8&yr=last10&byr=2008&eyr=2018

Kratter, I would definitely be interested in sussing out the difference in our search results on eBird which I do not claim much expertise in using. Our collective thought was female sharpie vs male coop. I have always been interested in the pursuit of tail so would lean in with the Coopers crowd though since I do need the other for my year list....Just Kidding!
 
I thought Cooper's immediately. Structure, as mentioned by others, was the main thing I noticed. The warmer brown head is also better for Cooper's.
 
I gotta agree with fugl on this: one may suggest more likely this or that, but there is no way to be at all sure from this photo.
 
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