Critter Corner: A Bird in the Snow

A large bird took a lengthy rest at the Austin family’s Falls Church home during last Monday’s snowfall. He spent more than 15 minutes perched on the branch of a dogwood tree in their backyard. At first the family thought he was an owl, because his feathers were fluffed – perhaps to keep him warm. But his eyes were more hawk-like, so the Austins believe that their visitor was a red-shouldered hawk.