Cooper's Hawk

Bathgate, looks like a Cooper's Hawk (perhaps) ? We have a frequent visits of Sparrowhawk here but their chest coloration is in a horizontal pattern (I think).

After all the research Klahanie, I think you are right. I'm convinced this is a juvenile Cooper's Hawk. The adult is quite different in appearance but he'll look gorgeous as he matures...or she.

great picture taking! such a closeup. beautiful bird

here in the southern tier ny we call them chicken hawks, quite a few around, but always so far up in the air, scooping their prey

Thank you. I just happen to be at the right place with camera in hand when flew in.

It's a beautiful hawk!

Vjd: They'll occasionally snatch a bird or two from my feeder in the back yard. They do it at lightening speed usually just after sunrise, it's all over in a flash.

Delonix1 I agree. He's just a juvenile. Check out my blog to see what he'll look like when fully mature.

Thanks! I check it out now.

Beautiful picture Paul. I love the birds of prey.

Thank you Linda check out my blog if hou get the chance. Happy New Year

A few years ago there was a local agricultural show and I got to fly a Buzzard. He was beautiful and very big up close. Happy New Year to you too Paul.

Thank you. That must have been awesome. I've never seen a buzzard.

Bathgate:

Come to California, and you'll see plenty buzzards.

Buzzards in California? My bags are packed! Are buzzards the same as vultures? What is the difference?

Last Summer I went to Bear Mountain State Park and for the first time saw a Bald Eagle. I was in shock by his size and brute strength. He stood at just over 4 feet tall and is solid muscle

LOL! Yes, buzzards (Turkey Vultures) are very common here in California. They typically soar very high up in the sky.

I've never seen a Bald Eagle close up, in the wild. There's only, I think 14 documented Bald Eagles in San Diego County (that includes the sick one found last October in Ramona, which wasn't documented (at the time it was found) and was released back into the wild, and was tagged).