RFI-Raptor Id

[Anonymous]

Hi, I was wondering if someone could have a quick look at this raptor and let me know what it is. It looks like a redtail to me, but very small, a juvenile maybe? There were 2 of them. I checked my bird book but am still not sure. There are several views to look at.
Thanks for the help in advance and very much appreciated:)
Art.
http://art-mcleod.fotopic.net/p33480892.html
http://art-mcleod.fotopic.net/p33479158.html

[BIGFRANK]

Definetly a Merlin. A Redtail is full sized(more or less) at fledging,and always has a belly band. BIGFRANK

[Anonymous]

Thanks very much for the reply, Frank. I really appreciate it:)

[Kin Lau]

Excellent shot too... it's hard to get close to a merlin.

[Al Johnston]

Hi Art and Big Frank, my guess it's an accipiter, possibly an immature Coopers with it's rounded tail. It seems to lack the "mustache" of a merlin, Frank. A merlin is about the size of a rock pigeon, Art. What size would you say your raptor was? Just my $.02 worth. Great pics by the way, Art.  Al

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply, Al. These werent very big, hard to say exactly. They seemed to be a little more than half the size of a redtail and very quick and darty when they flew. I hope this helps, and I am glad u like the shots:)

[Iain]

Immature Coopers hawks have bright yellow irises, something that would be evident in this picture.  Speaking of eyes, this bird has a very large eye in proportion to its head/beak indicative of a falcon.  Merlin for sure.

Iain Fleming

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply and the input, Iain, much appreciated. Rookies like me need all the help we can get:)
Art.

[Al Johnston]

Thanks Iain. The eyes have it. Should have known better than to question Big Frank. BTW, where did you get the pic, Art?
   Al

[Anonymous]

I took this picture in Port Hope, Al. There is a spot down by the lake that has a lot of activity right now. I put directions in the birding area of this forum and what I have seen in the last couple of days. I will be spending quite a bit of time down there in the coming weeks:)