Acorn Wood, Northern Hawk Owl, etc - Dec. 31, 2010

[Dave]

Greetings birders,

I finally slipped in a bit of birding during the holiday. I started by enjoying Stan's Acorn Woodpecker in Abbotsford which was busy in the nut orchard around noon. Nice bird to see, especially in Abbotsford in winter! There were quite a few birders there and everyone seemed to be respecting private property

Then, I went for the Northern Hawk Owl in Vancouver. Again, plenty of birders enjoying the bird (which did not seem to care at all that it was being observed by many)







An hour of so was spent walking along the Boundary Bay dyke at the end of 64th street. Short-eared Owls and beautiful sunshine!











On the way home I passed this juvenile accipiter. What do you think - Sharp-shinned or Cooper's?



Enjoy the sun!

[Chris]

Great pictures Dave! Both pictures of the Hawk Owl are really good! It's great that you were able to see both the Woodpecker and the Owl.

I would say Cooper's Hawk but tough to say.

[oldfulica]

Great pictures Dave. I am going with Coopers for your hawk. The legs look heavy and rounded tail influence my decision without going to the guide books.