CLOSED: I have never seen an Osprey this time of year?

Had a large bird come in by the bird feeders during a snow storm today.
I have seen osprey come in by the feeders just after the lake and river freezes, (early winter) but they leave not to be seen again until spring.

The lake was open in a couple spots last week, but frozen over the last couple days.

This guy is as big as an osprey, has a white belly and neck to face, dark cap and distict dark lines through the eyes. Hard to get a good ID through all the snow and tree branches.

What do you all think?

He sat on the branch, shaking off the snow when it got too much for him and watching the birds and squirrels.

Another shot. He perched for about 15-20 minutes, but I never got a better picture.

Just had to add a picture of a brave squirrel. Not sure if he thinks they are tastey, but the squirrels did seem to be nervous.

Looks like a Northern Goshawk...if it is, the squirrel should be nervous

I think OldNed is right... http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Goshawk_dtl.html

Yep, Gos. And ditto to the squirrel being in danger!

Resin

Ahhh, I think you are correct. I could not see the legs which would have helped to identify this bird of prey.

The shape looks very correct and the face looks good. Although with my binocs I could see the tail quite well and saw no banding and the brest looked white and not speckled.

Thanks for the link. This bird (in the link) looks much more like the bird I saw than the Northern Goshawk that is pictured in my book.

I knew you all would come to the rescue!

Thanks!!!

Thanks Resin, looks like we cross posted.

Looks like that squirrel was mighty lucky.

A bit like one of my books says of crows, which "mob Goshawks with great respect and always keeping a line of retreat open" ;-)

Resin

Ha, that is great.

Its not like our NC Ospreys what ever it is.

Lavina