Chicago, IL USA Today: Cooper's Hawk?? (1 Viewer)

[Bzerante1]

Hello!
I'm trying to identify a raptor I observed today in Chicago. At first I thought it was too small to be a Cooper's Hawk, but would like to confirm it's identity. The pictures are poor quality so I appreciate any help!

 

[birdmeister]

Looks like an adult Sharp-shinned Hawk to me.

 

[Bzerante1]

Thank you!

 

[Fraulein ash]

I think it would be impossible to be 100% certain from the photos posted above, but the dark cap on his head and rounded tail lean towards a coopers for me.

 

[ceasar]

What you saw with your own eyes had to be better than what we see in these photographs. You could see the size of the tree and its branches and use them as frame of reference to estimate its size. If you think it was a Sharp-shinned Hawk I won't argue with you.

Bob

 

[KC Foggin]

Hope you don't mind but I've lightened a couple of your images and perhaps it will help for an ID. I'm leaning towards a Cooper's myself.

 

[Bzerante1]

Thanks!

Thanks for all of the help and suggestions! I figured I was too far away to get a definite id but didn't hurt to check!