.sharonva

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My neighbors and I have been seeing this fellow (gal?) off and on this summer. We think there is definitely a mated pair here... right inside the city! I finally got a shot of him...in low light with a light rain falling. I didn't have time to switch lenses. This was my 3rd shot of 5 (once I eased slowly into position) and he has just identified the origin of that funny clicking sound (me). I liked this pose because he's between full-face and profile. I sent around a small version of this pic to many of my friends asking what kind of bird it was. Most agreed that it was a hawk, but then it was variously called a Cooper's, Red-Tailed, Goshawk, Sharpskinned, Broadwing, Roughlegged, Swainson's, and Ferrugia. All agreed that it was "immature"...which meant he looks like examples from all those breeds. I know, I checked them all! I also listened to the various calls, and, judging from the call alone, I think it is a Northern Goshawk. Now, what do YOU think? I am most interested in your comments! And thanks for stopping by.