Debbie in Golden

I have been bird watching most days (even for just a few minutes before work) since I started this class. I have used Merlin to identify about 10 different bird species within a mile or two of my house. We do have hawks nearby and even in my own yard, but I am struggling still to identify the difference between the hawks.   Regarding activity 2, I think I have been able to identify 4 different black birds in my area - red winged blackbird (easy with the red patch on the wings!), common grackle with the navy shiny hood, the American crow and the black-billed magpie.