The birds were clearly agitated! A wild persistent cawing drew me towards some tall conifers, alerting me to the possible presence of a predator. Our local Stellar’s Jays were causing a loud commotion, hopping and darting between branches trying to harass something. And there, deep amongst the shaded trees was what we initially thought might be a Merlin. Upon closer examination, this small yellow-eyed accipiter was most likely a juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk busily eating a catch. Mind you, the raptor only remained there for a moment or two, and then flew off — there was barely time enough for a picture.
A small sharpie (?) looks up from its meal and decides that it is time to move on. Photo by Cynthia.
More than a picture..quite the pic catch..beautiful..
A fabulous catch, Cynthia! My first thought was that your sighting was the same merlin that was in our tree the previous day. However, upon viewing your picture, it is clear that we have seen two different ones in our general vicinity.
Great pic! But .. Merlin doesn’t have yellow in the eye. Maybe a Cooper’s or a Sharp-shinned Hawk? I would say sharpie because of the smaller head compared to a Cooper’s. I love the lighting on this – so wintery. And such a concentrated stare.