yesterday.. just as I came out of the door to go for an afternoon walk I saw this big bird in the yard bending over a kill. luckyily I had my small Kodak digital camera in my coat pocket but by the time I opened it up the bird flew way. I tried to follow and was happy to see that it just flew to the nearest fence to continue pecking away at his prey. when uploading the picture and looking at the birds tale I think I caught a broad wing hawk.
The tail looks too long for a Buteo, in Buteo the wing tips would almost reach the tip of the tail at rest. Young Mourning Doves are much smaller than Pigeons. Comparing it to the fencing it looks about the right size for a large female Cooper's.
@Weezilou yes they are pretty..one little one must've flown against our sliding door..I found it sitting on the underneat our chair outside on the deck..I know you'll like it..will see if I find it.
since I don't know who to put up 2 links I send one and then the other.