Steven C. Schmitt reports this raptor was surveying the Beacon Hill scene yesterday from atop one of those street light/cell phone poles.

Mary Ellen continues her exploration of bird life along the Charles River and Sawmill Brook at Millennium Park in West Roxbury. Yesterday, she spotted a pretzel bird, um, egret.

She also reports there's a family of peregrine falcons enjoying the towers along the road down to the canoe launch at the park: Read more.

Mary Ellen spotted this male belted kingfsher at Millennium Park yesterday. Unlike most other birds, they build their nests on the ground, along the streams in which they hunt for fish.

Roving UHub photographer Mary Ellen reports the great blue herons have discovered the water around Millennium Park makes for some good fishing.

Mary Ellen the roving UHub photographer reports spotting a a Virginia rail along the brook that runs along Millennium Park in West Roxbury - they breed and feed in the sort of marshes one can find along the brook. The birds can be hard to spot, but easier to hear - especially during breeding season, which is now, they sound like little grunting pigs, she reports.

An unflappable Boston cop managed to wing it and outwit a large but bird-brained runaway from the Franklin Park Zoo today, luring a truant peacock back into captivity with the help of his department-issued smartphone. Read more.

JK21 spotted this fancy birdhouse above the Somerville bike lane between Willow Avenue and Davis Square today (look carefully on the lower level in the rear; looks like somebody's already moved in). No word if it comes with a deeded parking space.

Today's top research news comes via the New York Times, which reports a scientist has discovered that Boston and New York pigeons are genetically distinct - and that as with Red Sox and Yankees fans, the boundary runs through the middle of Connecticut.

Stephen Thomas Costa found this hawk just hanging out today at the Parquesito de Hermandad playground in Franklin Park - closed to human kids, of course, due to Covid-19 concerns.