[CT Birds] Retun of the Phoebe Short-lived

[COMINS, Patrick]

Stepped outside with the family after returning from the COA meeting, I was happy to point out an Eastern Phoebe to them.  Just as they got a look it flew into the backyard, only to have a Sharp-shinned Hawk intercept.   The capture occurred out of our view, but the hawk was successful.  Soon afterward we saw it perched up eating (presumably) the phoebe.  We heard another phoebe calling in the distance throughout the event.  I suspect it was the local pair, just returning, now minus one.  Bad day for the phoebes, but a good day for the sharpie.

It is a dangerous world out there for early returning birds (as the woodcock in Waterbury would attest to).  It is a race and a gamble, the early arrivals get the best territory, but get back too early and a wintering hawk might get you or a sudden cold snap may impact your food source.  Hopefully a lucky straggler will now find a prime territory free for the taking!

Patrick Comins, Meriden