Western Wisconsin -- Hawk ID's (1 Viewer)

[jstanleyg]

I had ID'd the first bird (photos 1 and 2) as Northern Harrier, but photo 2 doesn't really show the obvious white rump, terrible as the photo is. I remember wondering where the white rump was the whole time in the viewfinder.

Second bird I believe is a Cooper's? Not great with raptors, so checking in with you experts.

 

[D Halas]

All Sharp-shinned Hawks – 1 and 2 is a juvenile; 3 is an adult.

 

[jstanleyg]

All Sharp-shinned Hawks – 1 and 2 is a juvenile; 3 is an adult.

Interesting. The first bird definitely seemed bigger, especially for a juvenile. Thanks!

 

[Microtus]

The first bird definitely seemed bigger, especially for a juvenile.

Juvenile hawks flying around like that are full-sized birds, they won't get any bigger/longer.

 

[birdmeister]

Although I'm not sure on #2, I really think 1 and 3 are Cooper's. Very large heads and little hint of Sharpies' compact flight shape.

 

[jstanleyg]

Although I'm not sure on #2, I really think 1 and 3 are Cooper's. Very large heads and little hint of Sharpies' compact flight shape.

1 and 2 are the same bird, shots taken about 5 seconds apart.
So you think both might be Cooper's? The head size (and overall size) is what made me think Cooper's at the time of observation. I'll add two other shots of the second bird (photo 3 in original post).

 

[jstanleyg]

Juvenile hawks flying around like that are full-sized birds, they won't get any bigger/longer.

thanks for the clarification

 

[birdmeister]

1 and 2 are the same bird, shots taken about 5 seconds apart.
So you think both might be Cooper's? The head size (and overall size) is what made me think Cooper's at the time of observation. I'll add two other shots of the second bird (photo 3 in original post).

With the additional photos, I believe the pale gray cheeks clinch it as male Cooper's (orange cheeks on female and both Sharp-shinned sexes).

 

[tom baxter]

I agree with Cooper’s

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

I'd go with Coop, also.

 

[Microtus]

I'm going with Cooper's as well.

 

[jstanleyg]

Thanks everyone!