Big golden bird - omen?

[LiberalEsto]

I've been stressed and depressed in recent weeks.

This morning, after an upsetting evening, I took my dog out for her usual morning activity. While she was doing her thing, I looked up at the big silver maple tree growing behind our house.

The early morning sunlight came from behind me, and looked beautiful on the remaining leaves. Close to the top of the tree there was something that looked at least 18 inches long. I thought that maybe a plastic shopping bag had blown up there, but it could have been a large bird. It was lit up by the sunlight and looked like a statue made of pure gold.

At first it didn't move. Then I saw it turn its head a couple of times. It seemed to have a hooked beak like a hawk or eagle. My eyesight isn't that good so I raced inside with the dog to get a camera, hoping the close-up setting would capture its image. But when I got outside, it was gone. It was an amazing sight.

My neighbors, who are into birds, say there are red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks and a peregrine falcon living in the neighborhood. Maybe it was one of them, or an eagle, or some other raptor.

[libodem]

1. Wow

Take it as a good omen. Sweet.

[Tumbulu]

2. Yes, a great omen

you are loved and there is solid and fierce protection for you.

[noel711]

3. golden eagle

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/id

The Golden Eagle is one of the largest, fastest, nimblest raptors in North America. Lustrous gold feathers gleam on the back of its head and neck; a powerful beak and talons advertise its hunting prowess. You're most likely to see this eagle in western North America, soaring on steady wings or diving in pursuit of the jackrabbits and other small mammals that are its main prey. Sometimes seen attacking large mammals, or fighting off coyotes or bears in defense of its prey and young, the Golden Eagle has long inspired both reverence and fear.

Sorry today my computer will not let share the photo. very cool tho.

[LiberalEsto]

4. I think I found it through your link

When I looked at the link you posted, I checked some similar birds that were listed. The one I saw had a light-colored chest with a few small dark markings. It looked a lot like the images of red-tailed hawks. I live in Maryland and don't know whether there are Golden Eagles here.

That is a great web site. Thank you for posting it.