Update:
February 16, 2011. This hawk has returned several times since December. It has been here almost everyday lately. I saw it attack something on the ground yesterday. It was across the lake and I didn't have my tele-converter at hand so didn't see what it was attacking.

The newest pictures may help identify this particular hawk. I still believe it is a Sharp-shinned hawk, because of the 'squared' tail.

December 03, 2010. At breakfast I kept seeing shadows flashing across the backyard. I knew it was a large bird. I could not see what it was. It was too high to see from the window.

A few minutes later I spied this... even though he stayed for quite a long time I couldn't get good pictures. I took these from inside kitchen through the sliding glass and screen on patio. And the sun was behind him. I could not get a good angle even when he landed on the post closer to the house. Sun was really bright. He is also looking away so I didn't get good facial details.

I believe it is a Sharp Shinned hawk, because of the 'squared' tail...
Some think it may be a juvenile Red-Shouldered hawk.

Tricky Bird IDs: Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk
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