This afternoon a little before 3:30, we were out looking for eagles.  When we turned onto Rt. 132, we saw a "hawk"  in a tree on the barn side of the road across from Pompy Flats.  We stopped and watched for at least 20-25 minutes.  When it was facing us, the breast looked light with horizontal dark - not red - barring.  It seemed to have mustaches.  The back of the head was dark, but there was some white on the neck.  There was yellow around its beak and eyes, and the feet were bright yellow.  When it turned around, the back was black, but with a definite grayish look.  At one point it spread its tail, showing dark, narrow barring and a narrow white band at the tip.  Size is difficult to assess, I know.  This bird seemed a little small for a peregrine, but too big for a Merlin.  The breast was definitely too light for a Merlin.  It did not fly before we had to leave.

The "Checklist for the Birds of New Hampshire" lists Peregrine Falcon as "very uncommon" in January, but I suppose that means it is possible.  Has anyone else seen this bird?  How probable is it that I saw a peregrine?

Joanne Norton
Kendal at Hanover
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