A Sharp-shinned Hawk, the smallest male hawk in North America,
made an appearance in our yard.
This Sub-adult (transitioning from juvenile to adult plumage),
looked to be about 8-9 inches. The size range for males is 9 to 12 inches
The great majority of this hawk's prey are small birds, especially various songbirds such as sparrows (poor sparrow), wood-warblers, finches, wrens, nuthatches, tits, and thrushes. It plucks and scatters feathers as it eats.
sharing with...
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These shots are outstanding, Karen! Holy moly. !!!
ReplyDeleteWow! Fantastic photos! How lucky to catch this hawk in action.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird, FANTASTIC SHOTS and I think I hate hawks more than just a little. It eats finches!??! Well they are NOT welcome at Finch Rest, lemme tell ya! : - )
ReplyDeleteWell done pics, always impressed by your work. Hugs.
marvelous shots, karen! i've gotten to see one sharpie here and was amazed how tiny it was! so very cool!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Such close photos show amazing detail on the feathers - very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow, I never thought a hawk could be so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYour captures are absolutely stunning as always, Karen, and what a beautiful bird he is indeed!! I always look forward to your posts because I've never been able to see very many birds so "up close and personal"!! I love it! Hope your week is off to a good start! Thanks as always for sharing your talent and your beautiful birds!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous shots of the hawk.
ReplyDeleteDearest Karen;
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning and beautiful picture of the Sharp-shinned Hawk♡♡♡
He looks SO brave with his food, never seen this amazing picture(^_^)v
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
What a kill! Look at that victorious yet cautious look!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots!
What a beautiful bird, so lucky to catch him on the ground. Gorgeous markings.
ReplyDeleteA gorgeous assassin - and brilliant photos too. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat sharp and lovely shots.
ReplyDeleteLovely shots!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures of an adorable bird.
ReplyDeleteSimply brilliant photographs Karen. Can't say any more than that.
ReplyDeleteKaren, amazing photos of the Sharpie!! A cool visitor..Have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots of this beautiful raptor. So impressed with your ID skills and thank you for sharing your knowledge.
ReplyDelete....so gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteA "sharpie" to me is a Sharp-Tailed Sandpiper - yours seems a we bit fiercer!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Hi,Karen. Nice captures. You got good shutter chances. I think it's very rare to take hawks photos very clearly. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful images, Karen, and those feathers are just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteSuch fabulous shots of the hawk.
ReplyDeleteThis hawk is so pretty....I know they are sharp hunters
ReplyDeleteTotally fantastic shots!! What a beauty!
ReplyDeletebreaks my heart. poor little sparrow!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, brilliant Hawk, with something to eat. Grand photos Karen.
ReplyDeleteYes, poor sparrow but it's the cycle of life and everyone has to survive. Your photos are spectacular Karen, the Hawk is a real beauty. I love to see them but when one is circling our house I always hope the smaller birds are in a good hiding place.
ReplyDeleteSuper photos.
ReplyDeleteThese pics could be in a bird book - you should do some type of book, Karen!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I would have recognized him as a hawk- that small. Great shots- circle of life..but hard to look at sometimes.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful serie!
ReplyDeleteWell done!
Fantastic sharp close ups of this Hawk.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of this handsome fellow!
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots! How cool! We had Cooper's Hawks visiting the yard over the winter.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sight! I have one of these or either a Cooper's Hawk that frequents my backyard. I have frightened it a few times as it was waiting to pounce.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful hawk
ReplyDeleteReally fantastic shots.
ReplyDeleteexcellent captures Karen!
ReplyDeletewow.... you keep setting the bar higher and higher with your photography and this one takes it to a whole new level!!
ReplyDeletestunning shots.. what an amazing addition to your portfolio.
well done *VBS*
Poor sparrow indeed but such is the way of nature.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding pics!!! Well done Karen!
Fantastic pictures, Karen! I feel a little sorry for his lunch, but that's nature.
ReplyDeleteGreat set of photos and what a great subject.
ReplyDeleteWonderful snaps. Recently, a hawk landed on the fences near our dining area where I watch birds and knew it was a Sharpie or a small Cooper's hawk. Black and white bands on the tail. Interesting to watch. Your instructive post sheds a bit of light. Dianne
ReplyDeleteThat juve hawk was lucky to make a kill... conflicted as I feel about that..Michelle
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful little predator. These shots are awesome.
ReplyDeleteI am looking at these again, they are really beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful raptors these little guys are!
ReplyDeleteSuperb series of really excellent photographs, Karen!
Nice job!
Great shots, Karen. Well done!
ReplyDeletehoe lucky you are to see this and to get such great shots. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh fantastic shots, Karen!
ReplyDeletePoor sparrow, poor sparrow..
OH MY! You got great photos of this hawk!
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos. Well done!
ReplyDelete(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
wonderful images of this hawk. Great shots! Have a wonderful weekend ahead and thanks for stopping by my blog this week.
ReplyDeleteYou got great shots. We usually see the Cooper's Hawks here. They tend to string the feathers about them, too.
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing, the clarity of the photo`s is superb.
ReplyDelete