Merlin or Cooper's Hawk?

[Matt K.]

Could not quite make it out, but I think it's a Merlin .... sat there waiting for supper to fly by ...

[Wicked Dark]

Looks like a cooper's. they have yellow eyes, Merlin eyes are dark and they aren't so orange-y in the front. nice catch though. I NEVER see these guys. Going too fast, I suppose.

[Mad Aussie]

Cool. I reckon you could brighten his face up and make a really good shot out of this.

[Hillbillygirl]

Nice catch there Matt, but agree with MA, needs a little lightening.
As for ID, not a merlin as no moustache, and not a Coop as they have rounded tail. Would say from head size and square tail you got yourself a Sharp-shinned.

[Matt K.]

Thanks all for the kind words .. i have tried to enlighten the bird ... what do you think?

[Mad Aussie]

Definite improvement Matt! Try dodging in the face only now ... get that eye to sparkle

[Matt K.]

Definite improvement Matt! Try dodging in the face only now ... get that eye to sparkle

Ok, here it is ... wonderful what you can do with photoshop, and thanks for the help, MA ... so much more to learn

[Mad Aussie]

Ok, here it is ... wonderful what you can do with photoshop, and thanks for the help, MA ... so much more to learn

Happy to help. Now ... isn't THAT a huge improvement on the original. It's ALL about the eyes

[aubintbay]

Nice capture! I have to say the PP made a big diff!