I was outside in today’s 14-degree morning knocking ice out of the guinea waterer when I heard a sharp, distinct call. One I hadn’t heard yet around here, at least not so close. I scanned the woodline and who should be sitting in the giant oak but this big guy.

A quick visit to the excellent Cornell Ornithology Lab’s beautifully designed Web site led me to believe that this morning visitor is a red-shouldered hawk. Correct me if I’m wrong! And he was huge. Here he is in the giant oak, and though the tree is humongous, you can tell this is not an insignificantly sized bird.

Though it’s definitely cool that he chose my oak for his sunbath, I can’t help but wonder what he could do to a guinea. Unlike during the kestrel attack of last summer, I think this bird may be large enough to make off with a guinea or at least put some serious hurt on the poor dear.

And it turns out he wasn’t the only one enjoying the sun on this very chilly morn. Skittish Neighbor Cat was camped in the meadow, and darted away into the woods right after this shot. It’s a jungle out here.