Yesterday (2/26), at ~4:45 AM, I went out the back door and flushed a large raptor off the metal pole that we hang our feeders from (one of these 6 ft high poles with goose neck curves at the top which is easy to perch on).  It was dark except for a little light from one of the house windows, and I could tell only that the raptor was as at least as large as a Great Horned owl, and I caught a glimpse of an underwing that looked all white.  I couldn't see enough to be certain even that it was an owl, but I am guessing it must be -- I am reasonably  sure it was not on the perch when it got dark the night before.  We have quite a lot of vole activity in the yard, especially under the feeders.  I checked again this morning at the same time, but no luck. Bill Moorhead Litchfield, CT 06759