Oh my - I've been Ringler'd!  But that's a good thing since Bob keeps us on
our toes and makes us think twice before we post, which results in more
observant, better refined birders.

Am I 100% sure it was a Sharpie?  Negative.  The bird was facing away at
75-100 feet distance and viewed at an oblique angle.  However, what I
observed points to a Sharpie.  It was definitely a bird in juvenile plumage,
it was small (about 12" in length) and slight, and the tail squared-off.  It
just didn't seem to have the heftier jizz of a Cooper's Hawk.  My last
observation (overhead) of a Sharpie along the BMNT was on 17 Apr of this
year.

Tom Marko
Olney, MD
Montgomery Bird Club (MOS)
Email: 

Fred Fallon wrote:

Yes, it's hard to believe Sharpie's at this time of year, but I should
note here that a friend reported one while atlasing near Merkle on Thur,
and we ourselves saw what appeared to be one in flight in a residential
area in the Chelenham vicinity y'day, chased by a Grackle - tho' the
view was fleeting. What's going on here?

Bob Ringler wrote:

Have there been previous sightings of Sharp-shinned Hawk there this summer?
Please note that because of its rarity this species requires a verification
form for the Breeding Bird Atlas.

Tom Marko wrote:

Blue Mash Nature Trail, Montgomery County, 2 July 04, 0700-0900

A juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk, perched on the fence surrounding the
landfill, munched on an avian breakfast while several Black Vulture soared
overhead.