[CT Birds] Any Ospreys yet?

[Peregrine Information Consultants]

Has anyone seen any Osprey yet, inland? I just glanced out my window (Farmington)  in time to see a glimpse of a very large raptor - silhouetted against the midday sky. I only caught about 3 wingbeats before it disappeared behind the trees. First thought was Bald Eagle (often seen around here), as this bird was much bigger than our resident RedTails. Then I noted a longish narrow tail (folded) and narrow wings - the bird was flying very directly, not soaring. Definitely NOT a Turkey Vulture or Goshawk (both also seen around here recently). Somewhat slim, like an Osprey, but I did not notice the characteristic crook at the "elbow" of the wing. But it was only a glimpse so I cannot say for sure. The Farmington River is open so there would be food. My Farmington home is midway between the Farmington River and Batterson Park, and we frequently have Osprey flyovers here in spring and summer.

Feeder observations today:
* Sign of spring -- pairs of Blue Jays feeding each other. Love that.
* Red-Breasted Nuthatches - no sign of our wintering pair for about a week now
* Male Cooper's Hawk terrorizing the Blue Jays. Boy, that bird is FAST. Easily differentiated from our resident female - she is HUGE, easily 30% bigger than this male. Heard him vocalizing. Wonder if they are a pair - hope so.

Sarah

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

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