"RJP" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 18 May 2007 11:02:20 -0700, "Padraig"
wrote:

I overestimated its size. Not having any familiar object near it makes it
hard to compare sizes, so my estimate was way off. After sending the
first
post I went out and measured that rectangular horizontal tube that it's
standing on and found that it's not as thick as I thought. It measures
only
1-5/16" from top flange to bottom flange, so the animal's length is
probably
only about 10" to 12" which would probably make this a Sharpie. It
resembles a Sharp-Shinned Hawk in shape and size but since I cannot see
much
color or shading in this picture it's hard to know for sure.

I wish he'd have the courtesy to come around in broad daylight!

Yes, it's more an accipiter shape than a falcon shape, and the very
long tail confirms it. I see hints of wide bands in the tail, too (on
my monitor, anyway). If it truly is 10-12", then it's a Sharpie.


This might be the one that swooped into the yard a couple of months ago when
there were 50 to a 100 birds feeding. They all bolted over the fence in
various directions instantaneously, with him in hot pursuit of one target
bird. I did not see the kill but I'm pretty sure he got something.

It's a funny thing. When one of the larger Red Shouldered Hawks lands high
up in one of the pine trees behind my fence all the birds at my feeders seem
pretty casual about it. It's as though they sense they may not be on the
menu because maybe they're too small or something.

But when the Sharpie comes around - Katie bar the door! I'm sure he makes a
living eating them and other small animals. I wish I had some kind of
raptor in the area who would chase all my cute little Cottontail bunnies
away!
--
Paddy's Pig