hawk sitting on top of my feeders

[diana]

I have been away from 'official' birdwatching a while but I do have a well stocked and very active backyard feeder system set up and yesterday we spotted a hawk sitting on top of a feeder pole.  I am far from being an expert but from the bird book the closest resemblance we could get was a Sharp Shinned hawk, however, instead of a heavily streaked chest this bird appeared to be a solid beige colour in that area, so we're not sure; do they come in varied plumage or was it a completely different species?

[CalvinBird]

What about the size? like Flicker or Crow or even larger? Did he have white eyebrow? it might be a Northern Goshawk if it was larger size and in adult plumage.

Calvin

[thouc]

Sharp-shinned or Cooper's Hawk are the only one's you likely would find atop a feeder. The adults are reddish orange with white stripes. The solid beige would fit a juv. Northern Harrier, but they are usually found on open fields and would be unlikely on a feeder.

/Thomas

[diana]

Thanks, the size appeared to be larger than either Crow or Flicker, however, didn't seem as large as the Northern Harrier (according to book), and quickly left, so shall be watching closer if there is a return visit!

[CalvinBird]

If larger than a crow, then it should be a Cooper's. I was wrong about the Goshawk because I missed the color description.

Calvin