Yesterday as I was eating breakfast, all of the regular feeder visitors were 
conspicuously absent. I'm so glad I let my curiosity lead me to a quick scan 
of nearby trees. There was a huge Cooper's hawk about 50 yards from the 
feeders, methodically turning his head back and forth to make sure he didn't miss any 
little critter stupid enough to move.

Also, coming back from Bellows Falls last week, I almost ran off Route 91 
trying to get a better look at a peregrine falcon! I expect red-tailed hawks 
along the interstate but I've never seen a peregrine there. It was in a small bare 
tree, staring fixedly at the ground for all the world like a buteo, but it 
was definitely a peregrine. (Its beauty reminded me: isn't the peregrine on the 
special VT license plate absurdly thick and awkward looking?)

Maeve Kim
Jericho Center