[CT Birds] 3/22, Chester: red-shouldered hawk, coyote

[Tammy Eustis]

3/22, Chester - Red-shouldered hawk was active around our yard most of the day. It called repeatedly from the trees behind our birdfeeders while I was out gardening, then perched in the poplar tree (the "best seat in the house", aside from the hickory). I suspect that the pair is nesting in our back woods, as they have for years - this individual made a beeline in that direction after each visit. (They've been setting up their territory for the past couple of weeks, with much circling, calling, and dramatic stoops.)
Mammal sighting of note: a coyote jogged across our back ridge at 6:45pm. I saw it by chance, as I was taking my last look of the evening for Project Feeder Watch. The coyote had a little hitch in its stride, but was very alert; it stopped to look at me for a moment before heading off over the hill.
- Tammy Eustis, Chester