All of North America except for boreal north. This hawk will be seen during the summer in the northern areas and during Winter in the southern areas, with the central latitudes either all year or migrating.

The Sharp-shinned hawk is seen in woodlands and is even more wide spread in winter. Can often be seen at backyard bird feeders and will occasionally collide with large windows

Sharpies migrate in small groups while Couper′s migrate alone.

Sharpies are smaller than a Couper′s hawk, lighter in weight and has a more buoyant flight that Couper′s hawk with quicker wing beats.

Sharpie has a broad forward angle arm with small hand giving an S shape to to the trailing edge of its wing, causing the head to appear to be tucked in. Couper′s head appears to be extended. Sharpie has a flat tail and is narrowly gray tipped, but can be variably shaped. Couper′s tail is rounded and is broadly white tipped.

Seen throughout the continent, numerous in woodland during the summer and widespread during winter although most still migrate out of the US to warmer climates.

Hunts for birds or chipmunks from perch at edge of mixed or deciduous woodlands and will come into a small bird feeding station for snatch.

After sleeping in late, I step out of the jammer, open the gate and notice that the hawk is standing in the driveway. I go to get my camera and quickly take about a half dozen photos before he flies away. I then drive to town for breakfast, laundry and ice. Then upon returning to the outback, Kim suggests that I go up into the mountains to where it is cooler because today's heat is exceptionally hot, reaching the triple digits. I sit in the heat for a while and then choose to go to the d-mart in nearby Beaumont, California to buy some supplies.

Previously, Kim has said that she has been seeing a hawk frequenting their yard, so I have been looking for the bird and this morning, when I see it on the side driveway leading to the back yard, I am ready.

My bird book shows this to be an immature hawk.

This sharp-shinned hawk tries to capture a smaller bird but misses and then stops on the top of the fence, probably mulling over his missed meal.