Please see picture gallery below – if you have any pix please send to sheilaelliot@yahoo.com

Bird of the Month for June is  Sharp-shinned Hawk by Ben Kolstad’s article in May-June KITE.:

Rangewide, the population of this small accipiter (Accipiter striatus) appears to be stable, although here in Palm Beach County they seem to have become less common (anecdotal evidence only). They’re much less likely to be found in urban areas than the Cooper’s Hawk. Identification tips Accipiters have distinctive proportions: long wings, long legs, and long tails, which makes separating them from the “chunkier Buteos fairly simple. However, as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology remarks, “Separating Sharp-shinned Hawks from Cooper’s Hawks is one of the classic birding challenges. The birds look very similar and can be similarly sized. Cooper’s Hawks have a larger head that juts farther out ahead of the wings compared with Sharp-shinned’s pinhead. Cooper’s have “hackles” that are sometimes raised, giving them a fi

erce look versus Sharp- shinned’s more timid, round head. Adults have a pale nape, making them look like they’re wearing a dark cap. Juvenile Cooper’s Hawks are more finely streaked below than Sharp- shinned. When perched, look for Cooper’s Hawk’s thicker legs and big feet.”

Come to our June meeting to hear more about this bird.

(Photographer’s please note that next month’s July 2015 Bird will be the Osprey and August is American Kestrel)

Juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk by Paul Thomas