They could also be a pair of red-shouldered hawks. I have one pair in the front yard, and I believe there is another pair checking out an abandoned squirrel nest in the back yard. ----- Original Message ----- From: Scarborough, George K (J6R)<mailto:George.Scarborough@xxxxxxx> To: va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 8:12 AM Subject: [va-richmond-general] Re: Fw: Cooper's Hawk ? My guess would be that they are Red Tail Hawks as I have a pair in my "back yard" as well. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: va-richmond-general-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:va-richmond-general-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> [mailto:va-richmond-general-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Robin Ruth Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 12:29 AM To: va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: [va-richmond-general] Fw: Cooper's Hawk ? FYI. This was sent to the RAS website. ----- Original Message ----- From: Al Kent<mailto:alhkent@xxxxxxx> To: audubon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:audubon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 1:40 PM Subject: Cooper's Hawk ? I am not a bird watcher (per se) other than an enjoyer and feeder of birds. I live in Chesterfield County. I believe, as best as I can determine, that a pair of Cooper's Hawks has taken up residence in a tree in my backyard. An occasional squirrel is seen being served up for dinner and they are obviously in the process of setting on eggs as there is an afternoon ritual of one leaving and the second immediately hoping into the nest. I read that they are uncommon. Would love to know just how uncommon they are? I am told that they are commonly mistaken for sharp-shinned hawk. I believe they are Cooper's just because of pure size. I'd estimate them to be in the 18"-24" tall category. Any other suggestions would be helpful. Thank you. Al Kent 804-276-1345