Don't know how much of a nudge you need. Is pressing the reveal button not an option?
Haven't looked at the crossword today, but from the clue you've given, I'd say the definition is first, and might involve a three letter bird?
What jono said. Plus, this is very challenging for a weekday puzzle. [Although I sense a recent trend for the editor to include a couple of tough ones during the week.] Enjoyable if you stick with it.