Update: Got this from a random web surfer…
Hi – I found your site while I was searching for images of red-tailed hawks. The pic of the bird you have posted is either a Cooper’s hawk or a Sharp-shinned hawk, based on its small size, long tail and rusty breast. Most likely a Sharp-shinned, based on the size. I assume the fence is 1×4 construction. if it’s 1×6 construction, then I’d lean towards Cooper’s. Also, the cooper’s hawks tend to have a darker “cap.” since your bird doesn’t, I think it’s a Sharp-shinned hawk. I was searching for pics of a red-tail because my sister-in-law has had a bird trying to catch her mini-Australian Shepherd. She took some pics of it (after she brought her dog inside to safety!), and asked me to i.d. it. So the pic she sent me is quite similar to yours (hawk sitting on fence) … minus the lunch! Great site, cool pics. — Sierra
