A Hawk?

[Mrs. Smitty]

I live in an older section of Brampton with lots of mature trees and last night I saw something fly across the road and swoop right up into a pine tree.  The wings were like a battleship grey and had to be at least 14 inches tip to tip.  I thought "What the heck was that?!" and about five minutes later I saw it fly back out of the tree and land on top of the lamppost at the corner of my driveway.  

It was some kind of hawk but nothing like I've ever seen before.  It was not as big as the hawks I see in the open fields around Brampton but bigger than a pigeon.  It's head, back, wings and tail were a dull grey and very sleek.  The chest was a lighter colour.  Unfortunately, I didn't have my glasses on but I could make out that it had a hooked bill and it was tearing something apart and dropping pieces to the ground.  After it flew away, I took a look at the dropped feathers and am guessing by the colour and size that it was a pigeon because I've seen them nesting in that tree.  

I'd be interested in knowing what kind of bird that was.  I'm new to birding but I can't say I've ever seen anything like it.  Is there anywhere I can find photos of birds like this so I can try to identify it?  Looks like I'll be keeping my camera nearby from now on!  Must say I was quite thrilled!

[BIGFRANK]

Sounds like a Coopers Hawk. A Sharp-shinned Hawk would look very similar,but is abit smaller and unlikely to take a pigeon. Search Coopers Hawk and see if that matches up.

[Mrs. Smitty]

That must be it!  From what I just read, it seemed to describe pretty much what I saw (without glasses of course).  It wasn't very big and that's the dull grey back and wings I saw with no spots.  What it was eating wasn't a whole pigeon it was something smaller maybe a baby pigeon or since it was a while in the pine tree maybe what I saw it eating was just part of the left overs.  

Thanks for your help.  You can bet I'll be keeping my eyes open for another look at this fellow.  We have lots of wildlife in our neighbourhood to keep a bird like this interested.

[Mrs. Smitty]

I saw him again on Saturday evening and he flew past above the trees right over my head, fluttered his wings then glided off down the road.  I saw the pale orangy chest and guess it's about the size of a seagull.  So beautiful!