This beauty surprised us today by landing on the bird bath and then going for a leisurely jaunt through the perennial garden. At first I thought it to be a Sharp Shinned Hawk, but the descriptions said "jay-like" for size and this fellow was much larger. Cooper's Hawk, maybe? Whatever it is, it sure made it a WOW day in this neck of the woods!!
Thanks for your help.
Barb
Yep, Cooper's. The legs are stout, not 'sharp' (= slender), and it has a stout bill and low forehead, all Cooper's characters.
Cooper's is actually the one more to be expected in Florida at this time of year, it is a breeding resident, whereas Sharp-shinned is only a winter visitor that far south.
Resin
Thank you, Resin. I have so much to learn about the characteristics of the area birds. And birds of prey are my favorite.
Barb
