We’ve been seeing many red-tailed hawks hanging out, often in pairs swirling around the sky. This one was taking a little break. Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
Red-tailed hawk
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Category Archives: hawks
Guess who is coming to breakfast?
I went outside this morning and I thought, gee, it’s awfully quiet out here. There must be a hawk. Sure enough, I looked up at the tree in my neighbor’s yard and there was this beautiful sharp-shinned hawk surveying the yard. She picked herself a perfect space. Not only could she see the feeder’s in our neighbor’s and our backyards, she had a very good view of the feeder in the front yard. Smart hawk. As she flew away, I thought I heard her say, “Rats! Foiled again.”
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Beautiful Take-off
I seemed to be just missing everyone today, but it sure was nice watching the beautiful flying. Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
Red-tailed hawk and crow
This air battle was very intense. No matter how much the red-tailed hawk screamed and tried to maneuver away, the crow just kept coming. Fortunately, after a lot of screaming and diving, they parted ways without any apparent injuries. I’m always amazed at how relentlessly the crows will go after raptors. I know I’ve said this before, but I imagine if a raptor routinely ate my babies, I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to cause a little grief. On the other hand, a hawk has to eat. And, of course, I am not able to separate my humanness from the experience. I would imagine their relationship is far more interesting, complex, and symbiotic than I can figure out. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Warming
It was a very good day to be out. The sun and warmth were so nice after the scary cold temps of the last week. Relief seemed to be in the air. This beautiful dog, enjoying the warm-up with his humans, came by and dropped his “Frisbee” at my feet. I was very honored. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Winter
One of the most beautiful things about winter is having some of these great spots to myself. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Raptors Return
While I haven’t spent too much time out in the bitter cold lately, I was able to get out for a while over the weekend and look for new winter arrivals. Hawks are in abundance and there seem to be some new bald eagle arrivals. I’m also seeing a lot more activity among the bald eagles who nest here, courting and tidying up nests. Of course what we call courtship may mean something completely different to them. Pretty much everything I’ve read about bald eagles (and many other nonhuman animals) comes from a very speciesist perspective and often runs counter to what I have observed just hanging out near them. They have their own reasons for what they do. 🙂 Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Cardinalicious
The cardinals haven’t been visiting the feeder much, but seem to prefer staying close to the bushes, so I leave seeds and millet there. I can’t say that I blame them much when red-tailed hawks are often patrolling the neighborhood. Being bright red at this time a year might be a bit dangerous. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Dawn Drama
I was sitting in the backyard watching all the birds dining on millet when everyone suddenly took off. I assumed a predator was around somewhere. This beautiful hawk flew down, then landed on the fence. I assumed everyone had gotten away, but when I looked at the picture enlarged, it does look like she has someone. All of this happened in a matter of seconds. The hawk has to eat, but I am always sad for the little birds. On the other hand, I have seen how a mob of small birds can bring a raptor down. I know this is how things work. The relationships are symbiotic. We humans often forget that. Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
Cool Hawks
I love this time of year when so many interesting hawks come in for the winter. While the cooper’s hawk is a regular, I see them a lot more this time of year. The red-tailed hawk is amazing. Click on pictures to enlarge.
