Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Need to replace downed tree, 1 by smhaig

smhaig wrote:
Hello:
Yesterday I lost a very old tall beech tree in a thunderstorm in Connecticut. It grew by a fresh water marsh and provided a fishing spot for Osprey, Kingfishers and many other birds. Moreover, it was 100 yards from my window and I have been looking at it for 20 years. It will take me some time to get use to the loss.

I would very much like to replace it so I can have a place for birds to fish and nest again. I would like it to grow quickly and not totally block the view as there are always animal activity in the marsh (since my old tree was so tall, its canopy reached above the water. (I am on a slight hill looking down -I have enclosed a photo so you can see where it was.)). There is a willow tree near it but that really is not what I had in mind. It blocks the view and its limbs are too wispy if you know what I mean.

What would you suggest? and what height should it be when I purchase it and when should it be planted?

Thanks.