Suspected Sharp-shinned HAwk, flying
Sep 29, 2015 18:05:26 #
*** Suspicion: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Juvenile
** For the BEST experience, Download the photo, or you're MISSING OUT! :D
Cape May, NJ 9/21/2015 (Sharing OK)
During my abnormally-long, two-week vacation in Cape May, I was hoping for lots of cute, colorful, Warblers to show themselves. Well, that turned out to be a rare circumstance.
However, in the second week, a fair amount of raptors showed up. Most of them were too high, or flying too fast, to get a good photo. In some cases, I took my 500mm off the tripod to track them better. That actually worked! Of course, the 500mm is heavy enough where I couldnt do that for too long.
Since I didnt record when I took the camera/500mm lens off the tripod, I dont know if this is a hand-held shot.
As to identification, based upon the pointed portion of the front part of the wings, Id say this is a Sharp-shinned Hawn and not a Coopers Hawk. Based on the off-white color below and the streaks/spotting of the breast and belly, Im thinking this is a juvenile.
For any birders out there, I would appreciate confirmation or correction. Thanks!
Canon 7D Mark II, Canon 500mm F/4 L IS II lens, Av, 1/1000 second, F/8.0, ISO 800, Spot metering, +2 EV), Center zone focus points, maybe on a Gitzo tripod with a Wimberley head.
** For the BEST experience, Download the photo, or you're MISSING OUT! :D
Cape May, NJ 9/21/2015 (Sharing OK)
During my abnormally-long, two-week vacation in Cape May, I was hoping for lots of cute, colorful, Warblers to show themselves. Well, that turned out to be a rare circumstance.
However, in the second week, a fair amount of raptors showed up. Most of them were too high, or flying too fast, to get a good photo. In some cases, I took my 500mm off the tripod to track them better. That actually worked! Of course, the 500mm is heavy enough where I couldnt do that for too long.
Since I didnt record when I took the camera/500mm lens off the tripod, I dont know if this is a hand-held shot.
As to identification, based upon the pointed portion of the front part of the wings, Id say this is a Sharp-shinned Hawn and not a Coopers Hawk. Based on the off-white color below and the streaks/spotting of the breast and belly, Im thinking this is a juvenile.
For any birders out there, I would appreciate confirmation or correction. Thanks!
Canon 7D Mark II, Canon 500mm F/4 L IS II lens, Av, 1/1000 second, F/8.0, ISO 800, Spot metering, +2 EV), Center zone focus points, maybe on a Gitzo tripod with a Wimberley head.
Sep 29, 2015 18:17:42 #
Sep 29, 2015 18:29:52 #
Den - I tend to agree with your ID. I posted, yesterday (see: Cooper's Hawk Posing At Cheesequake Park, NJ) , what I ended up IDing as a Cooper's but I was also thinking in terms of a Sharp-shinned. Mine seemed to be larger than a sharpie description and with a longer tail. The breast pattern was more "tear dropped". Regardless of what your photo is, it is a great photo - particularly if you handheld a 500mm lens. Definitely good work!!!
Sep 29, 2015 18:37:22 #
ebbote wrote:
Very good capture Den.
Thanks, Earnest! With enough attempts...
Sep 29, 2015 18:42:13 #
dugole wrote:
Den - I tend to agree with your ID. I posted, yesterday (see: Cooper's Hawk Posing At Cheesequake Park, NJ) , what I ended up IDing as a Cooper's but I was also thinking in terms of a Sharp-shinned. Mine seemed to be larger than a sharpie description and with a longer tail. The breast pattern was more "tear dropped". Regardless of what your photo is, it is a great photo - particularly if you handheld a 500mm lens. Definitely good work!!!
Thanks, Dugole!
I found your photo and I see what you mean about the tear-dropped pattern. I really liked your close-up - third photo. Nice work!
Sep 29, 2015 19:25:57 #
Sep 29, 2015 19:54:18 #
Cwilson341 wrote:
Beautiful bird. You're right about the download! Wow.
Thanks, Carol. Glad you enjoyed it!
Den
Sep 29, 2015 20:50:36 #
Sep 29, 2015 21:11:16 #
jbeejay80120 wrote:
The download was certainly eye catching, great capture. Bill
Hey, thanks, Bill! It was gratifying to get one good photo from the many flying shots I attempted. :)
Sep 29, 2015 21:25:40 #
Besides the size, a couple of telltale signs are the shape of the wings having that bump pushing forward, also a Coopers would have more streaks on the underside, not so much spots. Also a thin white band at the tip of the tail a Coopers is broader. Congrats on a great pic and nice ID!!
Sep 29, 2015 21:42:37 #
EkingbirdRI wrote:
Besides the size, a couple of telltale signs are the shape of the wings having that bump pushing forward, also a Coopers would have more streaks on the underside, not so much spots. Also a thin white band at the tip of the tail a Coopers is broader. Congrats on a great pic and nice ID!!
Debbie, thank you very much for the information and the compliment!
Dennis
Sep 29, 2015 21:45:36 #
DenDiMarco wrote:
*** Suspicion: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Juvenile br b... (show quote)
Very nice! The download is a must. Well done!
Sep 29, 2015 21:46:08 #
DenDiMarco wrote:
*** Suspicion: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Juvenile br b... (show quote)
What a fantastic capture Den...and I think your ID is right on!!!
Sep 29, 2015 22:30:27 #
Very good capture...and a great in-flight angle! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Sep 30, 2015 08:41:38 #
lowkee
Loc: Tennessee
Two ways to tell a Coopers from a Sharp-shinned is the Coopers has a more rounded tail and the Sharp-shinned square ended. The other is the head of the Sharp-shinned is smaller in relationship to the body. One book described the Cooper's as being more integrated with the body.
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