A week or so ago I posted looking for opinions on a mysterious small raptor which made a dive into a bush outside of my kitchen window.  At that time, I was thinking sharpshin, although the description and the small size made me think maybe a merlin. (all I saw was the size - a friend gave a description from a very quick look).   From the responses, and after more thought about behavior, I was leaning sharpshin.  Then I saw a little raptor with a brown back flying about 1 mile from the house - and that bird was clearly an accipiter, so I was leaning harder on the sharpshin theory. 

Today, there is no longer any doubt.  

When I was working, writing, a flurry of activity at the (empty) platform feeder on my deck caught my eye.  Lo and behold, a beautiful, small, brown-backed sharpshin hawk had landed on the platform feeder!  He ruffled his feathers and I really think he may have looked for me .... I've had cardinals jump up and down on that same feeder, begging for me to fill it with sunflower seeds.  But I think my sharpie wanted it "filled" with other birds!  Whatever was on his bird-mind, he stayed there for several minutes, tilting his head and peering around.  

I had enough time to go get the camera and - unlike my camera-shy winter blackcapped chickadee - this fella didn't spook when I walked right up to the glass door and take his photo.  I think he saw me - he looked at me with that "please feed me" look - really!  At least I imagine! 

My two "bird dogs" - two Brittanies - ran to the door and executed an untrained "point" - one standing and one sitting - totally fascinated with the bird.  When they showed up, the bird seemed to look at them, fluffed his feathers a bit more.  He moved his mandible a bit, sort of as if he was chewing, then finally flew off.  

What a great show!  

He is small. I've seen a larger sharpie around earlier this spring.  I suspect I may have a pair here!  

And no, I did NOT fill the feeder - yet.   I have a big koi  in an aquarium who thrashes around in the water when he wants fed, so loudly that he can't be ingored.  I have dogs who bark at me for food, and a cat who will dramatically throw up in front of me (or at least threaten)  if her dish gets half-way empty.  I'm not encouraging any more demand-feeding animals... even if it is a really cool wild bird.   (Now, I did  feed that cardinal when he demanded it, most of the time - but that was last year, before the koi learned to control me). 




Joanne

Joanne Howl, DVM

West River, MD


 

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