[CT Birds] Sometimes the best birding is right at home

[Peregrine Information Consultants]

All day I've been lamenting being stuck in my office, feeling somewhat sorry for myself. I work at home, though, so I can keep an eye on the feeders, so that's some consolation.

But sometimes one can see the most amazing things right at home, without even trying!

This afternoon when I stepped out to get the mail from the box, a large Cooper's Hawk flew up from the lawn into a tree right next to the house. I crept back into the house (which makes a wonderful blind), grabbed the binocs (I am quite myopic), and sneaked up to the window. There she was - my favorite huge female Cooper's, in the sun, wings and tail loosely arrayed, relaxed but vigilant. Love her "buzz" haircut - so rakish! Soon she dropped down to the ground and ducked under the shrubbery that overhangs our little stream (attracts many birds), where she was out of sight for several minutes. Soon she flew up again; it was obvious she had been bathing. Guess she likes her privacy under the bush while bathing. Again she spread out in the sun, affording great looks at every feather and color as she turned her head this way and that, spread her wings and legs one at a time, and kept a sharp eye on everything around her. Perfect plumage. Then she flew up and over the house and was gone. I felt so privileged and no longer sorry for myself!

Sarah

Sarah Hager Johnston, BMus, MLS
860-676-2228

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