Maggie's Farm

The Sharpie is one of the most commonly seen
small hawks in the US. He is our smallest member of the Accipter family of hawks, which are designed to catch smaller birds.

In winter, they are known to hang around bird-feeders, where they have good sport with the sparrows and finches, and fine dining for them at the end of the game.

You will see their flap-flap-glide flying pattern at woodland edges, or more often see them perched in an open area, surveying the landscape for likely prey and just enjoying being alive.

Diagnostic issue: If you can tell a female Sharpie from a Coopers Hawk, you are a pro birder. I cannot.

More about Sharpies at CLO.

Photo courtesy of Bill Horn.