The visitor

[Michaelaw]

Went to look off the deck just now and saw this guy. Anyone know what it is?


http://www.redzonefilms.com/pics2/the visitor.jpg

[JAS_Photo]

I don't know but he sure is pretty!

[Mad Aussie]

It's a bird M. Definitely a bird.

[Mad Aussie]

I think it's a Grey Falcon.

[Mad Aussie]

Or maybe not after looking at some photos. Try reading this site M http://www.mb.ec.gc.ca/nature/whp/raptors/dc17s05.en.html and then looking for shots of the smaller sized birds mentioned.

[JAS_Photo]

From going through the search parameters on this site: http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/57/_/Merlin.aspx

I would guess a merlin or peregrin falcon.

[Michaelaw]

Thanks guys...I think Raiven's right, it's a Peregrine Falcon. Sure was cool to see him out back in the yard

[EJC]

Is the block it's perched on about a foot tall?

[1putts]

Wow nice visitor! Based on the red eye and markings, I'm 99% sure its an adult Coopers or Sharp-shinned Hawk. Juveniles have yellow eyes, the adults turn red. Because of the tail-feathers (the outers longer than central), I'm leaning towards Sharp-shinned, but that could be just the way it's sitting. It's hard to tell them apart (for me anyways).

[casil403]

Based on my 2 bird books, I am definitely in agreement with 1putts on this one. I think it's a sharp shinned hawk also based on the tail being more squared off.
Good catch Maw!

[Mad Aussie]

Almost certain it's not a Peregrine ... no face markings.

[Michaelaw]

Here's a slightly different look at his face, this is where he spotted me :)


http://www.redzonefilms.com/pics2/the visitor2.jpg

[casil403]

Here's an image of a sharp-shinned hawk Ii found on Google...I did not take this picture, but downloaded it for ID puproses....I think this is it ML!
Nice ID on that one 1putts!

[1putts]

Thanks casil. I know the cooper's fairly well, they're pretty common around here. I've got a few pics of them myself. Never seen one in my backyard though! The only reason i said 99% sure is because I reserve the right to be wrong! lol

Having said that, it's definitely an adult Coopers or Sharp-shinned. Likely a Sharp-shinned.

Michael, if you see it again, they're usually very approachable from the front.

[Michaelaw]

Thanks, I've never seen it before and in the busy suburb where I live it was totally weird to see. Who knows maybe it will return but I'm not going to expect it anytime soon. Thanks for the ID help :)

[Marko]

wow look at you birders go. I thought it was a pigeon with a long butt feathers :p. Nice shot Maw

[Mad Aussie]

wow look at you birders go. I thought it was a pigeon with a long butt feathers :p. Nice shot Maw
I'm surprized you didn't think it was a two legged poodle with a funny haircut! :headslap:

[Michaelaw]

Posted it in another forum and someone there is saying it's a sparrowhawk. I did the google image thing and...I'm still up in the air on this one. The red eyes are the thing and they were as red as red can be!