I finally got a photo of one of the hawks that stalks my bird feeders! This Lilac tree is directly outside my kitchen window and is usually full of small birds. Lately I've noticed this guy sitting in the tree, and he must be hungry because tapping on the glass does not scare him away easily! The size of this guy is somewhere between a Pigeon and Crow. Anyone? [/img]
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Goshawk/id it's a native to Ontario? But it's kinda hard to ID it exactly in the snow like that check out http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search they have photos from different angles, you might find yours there.
Definitely an Accipiter. Cooper's Hawk seems a bit more likely to me than Northern Goshawk; it does occur where you are, the underparts look more like Cooper's, and the size range you gave seems too small for a Goshawk.
Hmmmm, I just found this http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/accipiterIDtable.htm I'm still not sure which one it is!! But I'm certain it's not a Goshawk.
I couldn't really tell from the photo except for the white markings on the back. But I figured if you looked at the other photos you would probably recognize it quicker than anyone
It's all right if you can't identify it; I think all birders and bird-feeders wwho have lived in their range have or have had problems telling the Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks apart.
I had to chase the bugger away 3 times today! He had a Blue Jay trapped in that Lilac tree and the poor thing was squawking. After I chased him away the first time, he came back. It took 3 times until he finally flew away. The poor Jay was traumatized and sat there trembling for about 15 minutes before he flew away. And after all that, I STILL don't know what kind of Hawk it is!
I had a friend over with his Bird Handbook and while we were looking for the mystery Hawk, it landed in the tree! It sat nice for us and we were able to identify it as a Sharp Shinned Hawk, without a doubt. Thanks everyone for your help
I looked at my field guides and I think your bird was probably a leucistic individual--the regular Sharpie doesn't have that white on the back.
I have to either go out and walk directly toward him or let the dog out barking. Of course I have gotten many pictures of one when I was walking toward it...if they are looking for a meal, it is harder to chase them away....so---happy the Blue Jay was saved, the jays are a favorite of mine...now I think it is a coopers hawk but i do like the other name best..Hawkus Nettyam Annoyedicus..
