Hawk Native To South America Seems To Be Wintering In Maine

PORTLAND, Maine - A hawk that is native to regions of Central and South America appears to have taken up residence in Maine for the winter.The great black hawk was first spotted by Biddeford bird watchers in August, and popped up in a Portland park on Thursday. Maine Audubon says no one really expected a great black hawk would show up in Maine, let alone in the United States.
 
Audubon naturalist Doug Hitchcox says "this is probably the first time anyone has been standing in snow and looking at a great black hawk.'' He says Maine residents sometimes sees rare birds, but "this is one for the record books.''
 
Hitchcox says the bird appears to be in good health as it recently molted and was seen eating a squirrel.