CLOSED: RESIDENT HAWK - ID?

This hawk has taken up residence in our backyard Redbud for some time now. At first we thought it was a Cooper's Hawk but after some extensive research, think it may a Red Shouldered Hawk. I'd love to have a certain identification if anyone can help. We have chickens (penned up) and lots of songbirds but I've never actually seen it take anything. I used to let the chickens free range but lost one a few years back and we figured it was a hawk so they don't get out anymore. I have a lot of photos but this is probably the best one. Thanks.

Yep...Adult Red-shouldered Hawk

This message was edited Jan 1, 2009 3:17 PM

Yep, Red-shouldered Hawk

Resin

I appreciate the posts and confirmation. It definitely looked like the Red Shouldered Hawks we saw on the internet id sites. From what our research indicated, it appears they're not often seen in our area. Crazy thing, some time ago, I saw it swoop out of the yard with something big and red (orange?) in its mouth but didn't have my glasses on. We noticed shortly thereafter that one of the original large goldfish in the pond went missing. Could it be????? :)

Sure!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozoni11/2212451679/

It looks like Tulsa is on the margin of this hawk's year-round range:

http://content.ornith.cornell.edu/UEWebApp/images/bute_line_AllAm_map.gif

hmmm..I thought it was a juvenille Cooper's hawk as there are a few around here but your photo looks more like the ones here because of the furry chest..Cooper's Hawk don't have that. Due to the hawk being alongside a busy road I can't always get to see it well..& the hawks are not always at the same place. Thank you for making me research this. I love the fact that there are hawks in our area as we are not considered rural.

Thanks to all for the comments. I'm going to go ahead and close this thread. Our hawk was visiting this weekend :)