What is this bird

[gray eagle]

It's about 20 degrees (F) here this AM and I looked out in my backyard and saw the big bird and don't know if it is a hawk or what? I think he is looking for brunch.

 

[Tako_Kichi]

According to this graphic it could be a red-shouldered hawk.

 

[MrZippy]

• The hawk appears to be a red-shouldered hawk, identifiable by its reddish-brown chest and barred wings/tail.

 

[gray eagle]

I was inclined that is maybe a cooper's hawk. I think this one hangs out in wooded backyards and he/she was perhaps looking for squirrels.
From what I have learned they are prominent here in Tennessee.

here

 

[Tako_Kichi]

We had a Cooper's hawk that lived on our former property and we would see it daily so I am familiar with those. Your photo shows horizontal barring on the folded wings which the Cooper's doesn't have which leads me to believe its a red-shouldered hawk.

 

[tiger1962]

I was inclined that is maybe a cooper's hawk. I think this one hangs out in wooded backyards and he/she was perhaps looking for squirrels.
From what I have learned they are prominent here in Tennessee.

here

I'd love to see a squirrel trying to get up that pole!

 

[gray eagle]

We had a Cooper's hawk that lived on our former property and we would see it daily so I am familiar with those. Your photo shows horizontal barring on the folded wings which the Cooper's doesn't have which leads me to believe its a red-shouldered hawk.

What ever it is has moved on.

 

[Tako_Kichi]

I'd love to see a squirrel trying to get up that pole!

A squirrel is smart enough to figure out that it needs to drop onto the roof from the overhanging branches!

 

[tiger1962]

Maybe, but if you grease the pole like this...

 

[Tako_Kichi]

Yup, did that once and put a 'Slinky' on the pole!