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Post by Clarke on Jun 19, 2008 21:48:51 GMT -8
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Post by Gord on Jun 19, 2008 22:16:59 GMT -8
Clarke, fantastic photos!!!
However, while you're close and in the right neighborhood for size, that's a Merlin (a small falcon).
Things to look for is the tail length. On a Sharp-shinned/Cooper's Hawk the tail is very long while in the Merlin, as you show in your photos, it is short. Their legs are much longer than a Merlin's as well but this is often a difficult field ark to use. When in flight look for the pointed wings and how a Merlin sort of resembles a pigeon flight style but is a little more powerful.
You're right to consider a juvenile Sharp-shinned. But, a Merlin is quite a bit darker (unless one of the paler populations that are uncommon in our area) and they usually have a bit of a pattern in the face. Not as defined as in a Peregrine Falcon but you can usually see a bit of a 'mustache'. This guy's facial pattern is fairly indistinct. I wonder if this guy is a juvenile bird.
Other than that, Im not sure how to describe it further to help.
Nice pictures again!!
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Post by Clarke on Jun 19, 2008 22:22:30 GMT -8
Awesome! Thanks Gord!! ;D
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