Backyard bird watching

[Raven]

after much thought...
i believe it was a death shriek of a fur bearing mammal
that was just caught by my always around well fed wild Bob Cat
or a bird of prey that got lucky ... as it was more like a scream

none of the Owl sounds have even came close....

[justplugit]

I saw 7 small hawks in about 10 minutes time migrating at high speed and altitude yesterday with the clear blue skies.
They had to be flying 50 mph and after looking them up I identified them as
Peregrine Falcons.
They were flying east to west and I have a feeling they were migrating from NYC
as they have been making a comeback there for several years and like the high buildings. They say they can dive up to 150 mph. Unbelievable speed and a thrill to see.

[justplugit]

Nat Geo had a program this morning on Goshawks and Peregrines.
The Goshawks have telescoping eyes that can see up to 5 miles and produce a circular air current from their wings when flying, similar to a helicopter to hold them up. They will spend up to an hour hunting a single prey.
Unbelievable.