Sharp-Shinned Hawk

Day 175: It is difficult to distinguish between Sharp-Shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk. Field guides tell us that Sharp-Shinned is smaller, but with no member of the opposite species to stand side-by-side, an accurate assessment is hard to make. That said, this bird was barely larger than the Steller's Jays who often perch on these same branches.

The photo is less than perfect. It was shot through my bird-netted and grubby living room window. I was certain the Hawk would fly away as soon as I opened the door, which did indeed prove to be the case. I saw no evidence of a victim, although the posture shown here is a stance which could indicate that the bird is defending its kill.

Nature takes its course. The strongest and most intelligent members of the species survive.