Harryshoe's image is an adult Cooper's. You are correct, kathy9norcal. Note the tubular chest, thick legs, squared head, "Roman" nose, and eyes that are set back from the bill. Tail tip is an unreliable markon a perched bird (so I have learned through experience) due to feather position/wear. Also, on your Cooper's, second pic down- this adult bird has a pale nape to the neck. That is a good mark for a Cooper's. An adult Sharp-shinned has a dark nape of the neck that makes the Sharpies appear "hooded" rather than "capped". Cooper's appear capped.

BN, It's a rare day that I disagree with you on any ID, but this juvenile hawk has too many uniform upper chest markings to be a Red-tailed. This is a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk. The chest/belly pattern fits that species perfectly. I'd point out the barred primaries/secondaries on the folded wings, but, alas, the tree trunk blocks that view. I am certain the barring would be there. I am certain it's a Red-shouldered. BN is correct, though, in distinguishing this Buteo from an Accipiter (Cooper's/Sharp-shinned/Goshawk). The wing tips come too close to the tail tip. This post was edited by TMFF on Thu, Dec 12, 13 at 17:22

These guys are very sneaky in my yard. The only time I see them is when they are leaving one of my trees. I have yet to spot one while it`s perched in my trees. Very nice photo!

Hi Johanna, First of all thanks for letting the hawk go unharmed. Yes it is illegal to harm or kill them, but still not everybody would have acted in a way respectful of the law (and the animal!) in your situation. You did the best thing by securing the coop; the best way to avoid having one of your chicken grabbed through the wire by any predator would be to use 2 layers of fence, 12 inches appart or so. Where there is a chicken coop, there are Coopers, but also racoons and those are much more destructive than a bird of prey. Then if the Cooper has no access, it will understand in time and move on, checking in once in a while. These birds have a high metabolism and need to eat on a daily basis so he won't loose his time on a lost cause. If it becomes a real problem, you can call your state or your state falconry association to have a falconer come and legally trap the hawk for you. The bird will then be released unharmed in an area that can sustain it and where he won't disturb anyone. But with chickens, be ready to see predators once in a while. Good luck! Audrey