Goshawk ? Uxbridge, MA , large bird of prey: what is it? Northern Harrier?

[1119danielle]

Northern Harriers are smaller and lighter in color, -this bird's wing span looks HUGE, and it's coloring looks a little darker... Maybe it's a turkey vulture?

[1119danielle]

@1119danielle actually, I take that back now that I've seen the video again- a turkey vulture wouldn't have the posture that this bird has, while resting on the limb, and when he takes off, it seems as if he's going after living prey! Maybe it's a Golden Eagle?

[APV878]

Too hard to tell, but likely NOT a Harrier, they prefer open fields and grassy areas, not a lot of trees. Tail is too short for a Harrier, and they don't "perch and watch", they tend to fly while hunting most often. It might be an Accipiter (Cooper's Hawk, Goshawk), might be a Rough-Legged Hawk, which would be rare for MA but possible. I don't think Broad-Winged Hawks come up to MA this early either, so I'm gonna say a Cooper's Hawk.