Red-Tailed Hawk Nest 2012

Red Tailed Hawk seen at nest Jan 25, 2012

2012-01-26T21:11:00.000-05:00

Over the past two days I have seen the red-tailed hawk family at work. The first time the female hawk was sitting on the branch where they nested last year and then today I saw her chasing the pigeons around the Scarborough Civic Centre. When I left at 5pm she was still sitting on the back side of the building.

SCC Red-Tailed Hawk seen at Mall Jan 10 2012

2012-01-11T15:08:00.001-05:00

Female Red-Tailed hawk was activily hunting at the mall. She is huge. What a wonderful sight

Red-tailed Hawk at work oct 21, 2011

2011-10-25T20:27:00.001-04:00

When ever I see a red-tailed hawk I know it will be a good day. I walk to my car at lunch and see this beauty flying by. He landed right in front of me on the lights.

Juvenile Red tailed hawk with full crop and flying well

2011-08-30T21:10:00.001-04:00

Fun shots today of a juvenile red tail. What a beautiful female.

Adult Red-tailed hawk in mating tree August 18 2011

2011-08-18T21:12:00.006-04:00

Wonderful to see the adult red-tailed hawk by work. Sitting in the tree enjoying the sun. You can tell she is molting.

Red-tailed Hawk family - all four - Soaring in sky August 15 2011

2011-08-15T20:41:00.002-04:00

Today I was thrilled to see my family of hawks soaring high above the Scarborough Civic Centre.
The sound of the juvenile red-tails calling got my attention. I stood and watched them soar around and around.

As I drove around the corner by the TTC I saw two juveniles in the tree calling to each other. There was a groundhog on the ground and the one swept down over him.
Both fledged red-tails look really good.

My friend Eileen said in Cherokee, red tails are called "tookini" or small hawk.

I was honoured to see them today.

Offically today the migration has started. Osprey, American Kestrels, Sharp Shinned Hawk and Northern Harriers were seen flying by the bluffs.

Check out the Rosetta McClain Raptor Watch at

http://raptorwatch.blogspot.com/

Ann

Red-Tailed Hawk - Juvenile Yahhhhhhhhhhh July 19 2011

2011-07-19T19:07:00.004-04:00

When you stop looking there they are. On my way back from lunch saw a hawk sitting on top of a tree. I was sure it was a adult until I heard it call. Man what a beautiful female juvenile.

One beautiful juvenile red-tailed hawk seen today July 19 2011

2011-07-19T14:04:00.001-04:00

On my way back from lunch I saw a large red-tailed hawk sitting in a tree by the TTC. Stopped to have a good look and sure enough it is a very large female juvenile from this year. Still had some gold colours on the chest. Doing the baby cry. I estimate that it fledged a good 3 to 4 weeks ago by colour, and behaviour. Beautiful brown tail.

Did get a couple of shots and will file later.

Ann

Red Tailed Hawk sitting in old nest tree

2011-07-13T22:23:00.001-04:00

Carol emailed me to say that there was a red-tailed hawk sitting in the old nest tree.
So they are around just not seen easily.

No sign of hawks

2011-07-02T18:52:00.002-04:00

Went for a short walk today but no sign of young fledglings or adults. Will check again in a few days. They could be there but you can't see anything in the woods.

See Adults flying all over the place

2011-06-07T21:42:00.001-04:00

I have no idea of how big the eyas are - the nest is now completely covered and protected by leaves. I did see the female fly into the nest and the male soaring over the Civic Centre.

Red-Tailed Hawk flying by building June 2, 2011

2011-06-02T19:43:00.005-04:00

Today I saw the adult red-tailed hawk flying low over the building being chased by red-winged black birds. He went directly to the consillium building and sat at the top for some time. First I have seen of the adult as the nest area is so full of leaves I can barely find the nest.

Red Tailed Hawk Nest

2011-05-21T21:42:00.005-04:00

I have a very tiny window to see into the nest. Above female resting. Below 2 eyas through the branches.

Male getting dinner

2 Baby Red-Tailed Hawks May 20, 2011

2011-05-20T21:49:00.003-04:00

I stopped in today at the nest and saw two eyas between the branches. It is so full of leaves and banches it is hard to see anything. Both parents were there but again with all the leaves hard to see. Wonderful to see them so well protected. May be a third eyas somewhere in there. Ann

Eyas have arrived - May 10, 2011

2011-05-10T13:48:00.001-04:00

Popped over to the nest this afternoon and there are eyas in the nest. The female was dipping over and over so she is obviously feeding someone.

Due to the amount of leaves already it will be very difficult to see how many until they are able to stand on the edge.

Ann

Female Red Tailed Hawk still sitting on nest. Any day now for babies

2011-05-04T22:12:00.003-04:00

Today Carol and I stopped by but all we saw was the tail of the red-tailed hawk. No signs of feeding yet. Due date is this week.

Male soaring in the sky, Female on nest April 29 2011

2011-04-29T21:04:00.005-04:00

At physio today I was so pleased to see the male red-tailed hawk soaring around. I sat in the chair and enjoyed the spins and wing flapping as he went by the window over and over again. Eyas are due next week.

Female on Nest - can barely see her april 24, 2011

2011-04-24T19:24:00.001-04:00

The female was sitting on the nest which is in a red oak tree. I can barely see her anymore. Look closely in the branches for a peak of her face.

Male and Female seen soaring around the area April 15, 2011

2011-04-16T15:01:00.002-04:00

Over the week I have seen either the male or female soaring around the Scarborough Civic Centre. The other partner is on the nest which is a red oak tree. In less than a couple weeks you won't be able to see the nest at all. Encased in leaves. I hope to see eyas early May.

Female Red-Tailed hawk April 5 2011

2011-04-05T20:06:00.009-04:00

Suzanne and i walked by the nest today. The male was sitting on the nest today as well. No sign of the female. These shots are from the other day.

Red Tailed Hawk Male in the nest - Mating still going on

2011-04-03T20:54:00.005-04:00

Gary Diane and I went to look for the red tails. We saw them and they were very busy. The male was on the nest, took off and mated with female and then went right back on the nest. The female was soaring everywhere. Beautiful.
Look closely for the red tail.

Female enjoying the day off the nest. Flying all over the place.

Still building the nest around the female

2011-04-01T21:22:00.001-04:00

I was surprised to see the red tailed hawk flying towards me with a branch in his mouth. No time for photos.

Red-Tail Nest March 29 2011

2011-03-29T21:22:00.005-04:00

The nest has been located.

Male Red-Tail

2011-03-28T22:19:00.001-04:00

Chris joined me on my search for red-tails today. Here is one of her shots by the Scarborough site. Check out her blog and photos. Amazing shots and amazing photographer.
Chris McConnell
http://gonewildphotography.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrismcc_pics/

Male and Female Red-Tailed hawk seen March 26, 2011

2011-03-26T21:25:00.009-04:00

Saw male hawk today soaring in the sky. Female was very content to sit in tree and watch.

Female

Male (check out the size difference in breast)

Female Red - tailed hawk in the sunlight

2011-03-25T23:00:00.001-04:00

Saw the female red-tail hawk sitting in the tree. It quickly left when it saw me walking around. She is very heavy so should be in nest soon. Question is where is the nest??

Female Red-Tailed hawk March 19, 2011

2011-03-21T20:21:00.007-04:00

Chris and I watched the hawks but still have no idea of where the nest is! Last year at this time the female was already on the nest.

Attacking window again Red-Tailed Hawk Female

2011-03-20T20:30:00.005-04:00

On Saturday Chris and I watched the female red-tailed hawk attack the window over and over again. So scary and dangerous.

Red-Tailed hawks take off - female looking very healthy

2011-03-19T21:00:00.005-04:00

Over the past few days I have heard from people that the red-tailed hawks have been seen flying and hunting.

Heather sent me this note: Last night on my way to the TTC lot there was a pair of Red-Tails circling around the intersection. They were scaring pigeon and catching the waves. This morning I was taking my coat off and I was a grey blue blur go past my window followed by a brown blur. It was about 5 seconds later that it dawned on me that I missed the red tail catching breaks fast. Thanks for the email Heather.

Red-Tailed hawks Mating all morning

2011-03-19T20:55:00.004-04:00

I was amazed to see the pair mating on the building many times and then on the tree twice.

Red Tailed Hawks at new location.

2011-03-14T21:18:00.002-04:00

The red tails are attacking the windows thinking they are another hawk. Not the best location for them.

Scarborough Hawks found March 12, 2011

2011-03-12T20:58:00.007-05:00

Male REd-Tailed hawk picking up food. Large gull.

Male and Female sitting in the tree - k i s s i n g and more
I was so happy to see the Scarborough Red-Tailed Hawks today. Went early to see if I could spot them. Parked my car and was standing at a bus stop just looking around when the two appeared. I had a great time watching them. More photos will follow in the next few days. Saw them mating many times, on top of building, in trees and also watched the courtship of the female calling for male. Wonderful sound. Sadly the hawks were also bouncing off the building. Time will tell. I have no idea of where the nest is now. Will keep an eye on them.

Red-Tailed Hawks nest gone March2, 2011

2011-03-03T14:54:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately it appears that the red-tailed hawk nest that has been in the tree for two years is gone. I did a check on the ground - not a single branch or twig, nor in the tree where the nest was in 2009 and 2010 is completely gone. No twigs or branches or anything up there. Checked under the tree - nothing.

The hawks have been flying around but with the nest gone it is possible they will move it to another location. There has been no signs of rebuilding the nest. Sad to see this happen.

Wish I knew how the nest disappeared?????????????????????????????????????????

3 Red-Tailed Hawks soaring around building Feb28, 2011

2011-02-28T20:52:00.001-05:00

The day started off pooring rain and after lunch the sun came out. Jack came down and told me to come with him. That meant one of two thing the hawks are near or Carol has cookies. Well lucky for me there were 3 red-tailed hawks circling around the building. Did not see them on the nest but one was sitting on the public art piece by the nest. Hears hoping. Time to bring the binos to work. Yahoo.

Another hawk family - Female building nest. Feb 2011

2011-02-24T20:18:00.001-05:00

This incredible female red-tailed hawk is beautiful, strong and very very fast. Gary and Dianne's Red-Tailed Hawks are very busy getting the nest ready for the 2011 season. I am hoping mine will return soon.

Female Red-Tailed Hawk vs one crazy squirrel Feb 4, 2011

2011-02-04T20:06:00.009-05:00

One squirrel kept going up and down the tree looking at the hawk. Carol and I watched him boldly head out on the limb. Look at the squirrels tail and he is very ticked off at the hawk.

Big Mama looks at the squirrel - we thought she might want him for lunch. But no he just wanted to bug her.

The female red-tailed hawk sat in the tree all morning just watching the activity at work.

Flying around nest and work Jan 21, 2011

2011-01-21T20:20:00.001-05:00

Saw one red-tailed hawk today soaring around the nest site and building. Beautiful beautiful bird.

Female high perching towards the nest. Jan 15, 2011

2011-01-15T17:09:00.000-05:00

Adult Red-Tailed Hawks sitting at nest Jan 13, 2011

2011-01-13T21:13:00.006-05:00

I couldn't believe my eyes today when I went to work. Yes that is a red-tailed hawk sitting in the tree. I took a good look at her and realized it was Big Mama. Went to see Jack, Marlene and Carol on the 5th floor - everyone quickly went to the window and saw the one in the tree and a second hawk landing. YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Took a couple of shots. You can see how big the female is in the photos. Check her out - someone has not had any trouble finding food.
And so we begin again. Lets hope they decide to stay. Both sat in the tree for a couple of hours.

Male flying off the nest tree

Both adults at the nest tree

Sightings of Red Tail Hawks - Thank you

2010-12-21T13:55:00.001-05:00

Red Tails: Four times now I've seen a single hawk or a pair together flying around the condos or circling above Scarborough Civic Centre in the last two weeks. Yesterday a single Red Tail was flying around the new condo they are still building. It's a very good sized hawk.

More shots of the Red Tailed Hawk at work

2010-12-18T17:19:00.009-05:00

It is such a joy to watch Red-Tailed Hawks. I just love to see them fly and call.

Red-Tailed Hawk juvenile visits the nest today Dec 17, 2010

2010-12-17T20:55:00.000-05:00

Today at lunch I went down to my car. As I passed the red-tail nest tree I was surprised to see a hawk land. I ran upstairs to grab my camera and the juvenile Red-Tail Hawk was sitting in the nest (SCC Red Tail Nest - 3 young last year). He then flew into Frank Faubert woods. He flew around the trees dipping and diving and finally landed on the tree branch in front of me. WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.
Yes this beautiful young female red-tailed hawk was definitely familiar with the woods. I also saw a pair of red-tails flying high above me. I will have to take more walks in the woods to see if the baby comes back. More posts to follow

October 28, 2010 saw both adult Red-Tails

2010-10-28T21:05:00.001-04:00

I was so happy when I left work today to see both adult red-tailed hawks circling the building and condo. They were soaring around and around high in the air finally coming to rest on the top of the condo. One can only hope that they will nest again at work. Ann

Red-Tailed Hawk watch is now over for 2010

2010-08-09T18:10:00.007-04:00

This shot is special as all three were on the same branch. First time I have seen this in two years.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about the SCC Red-Tailed Family.

We will see the hawks occasionally and I encourage you to email you of any sightings.

Miagration hawk watches are getting ready to start and it won't be long before the juvenile Red-Tailed Hawks fly south. If you live in Scarborough join us at the Rosetta McLean Hawk Watch starting in September. You will see many varieties of Hawks (Sharp Shinned Hawk, Cooper Hawks, Red Tailed Hawks, Red Shoulder Hawks, Broadwing Hawks, Merlins, Goshawks, Osprey, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles and Turkey Vultures.

Lets hope the male and female hawk decide the Scarborough Civic Centre is a great place to nest again. I look forward to posting the 2011 season.

Take care.

Ann

This is my favourite shot of the year. Watching the fledged red-tail hawk throw the stone up in the air and then catch it with his foot was very cool.

Juvenile Red Tail see by Scarborough Town Centre August 89, 2010

2010-08-09T10:45:00.001-04:00

If anyone see the SCC Red-tails please let me know. Here is a note I received this morning from Murray.

Good Morning Ann,

I was over at the Scarborough Town Centre Walmart at 8:45 am.
I saw a young Redtail being mobbed by 2 crows & numerous starling on Progress ave just west of Brimley road.
No doubt it was of your babies!
Thought you might like to know.

Have a great day!

Murray

No Red-Tailed hawks at SCC but one loud and noisy fledged red-tail flying around the house

2010-08-07T17:59:00.006-04:00

The red-tailed hawks may have left SCC but today when I went out of my house I heard that wonderful young red-tail call. I went to my front yard and yes I could hear the young hawk call. Suddenly above my head (high in the sky) was a juvenile red-tailed hawk soaring around and around. A couple of shots. There has been a pair nesting in the bluffs and I have seen them once in a while.

No sign of any of the Red-Tailed Hawks August 5 2010

2010-08-05T13:00:00.005-04:00

Drove by work today to see if any the red-tailed hawks (adult and Juveniles) were around. No noise so flying nearby, nothing. Hopefully I will see them once in a while. A couple of shots from my last sighting.

Hunting for bugs - Juv red tailed hawk showing wonderful flying skills July 31, 2010

2010-08-01T11:26:00.009-04:00

Janice and I met at the SCC. Found the 2 American Kestrels immediately and we just going to head out when I saw the hawk flying low to the building. We watched in fascination as the young hawk flew between trees and landing on trees, stones and public art with grace. He would be standing tall looking around when he would zero in on a bug on the ground, dinner served. He is doing very well and can formally be called a juvenile now that he is hunting on his own.

As we got in our car we watched him fly off again hunting. I know that seeing this beautiful bird is soon going to be a memory.

Juvenile Red-Tailed hawk looking beautiful July 30 2010

2010-07-31T20:51:00.008-04:00

Every time I see one of the young red-tailed hawks my heart soars as I know soon they will be gone. One of the young seems to be using the SCC as his hunting ground. He was jumping from tree to public art pieces to hunt for large bugs. I added the poop shot as that also shows he is getting enough to eat.

Soaring high and beautiful in the sky - Juvenile Red Tailed Hawk July 29, 2010

2010-07-29T22:05:00.013-04:00

Oh what a sight it was - soaring around and around the sky and over the SCC. Not a sound was made and THEN we heard the crying in the background. Yes the 2nd noisy juvenile red tail hawk was sitting on the condo behind the SCC 3 balconies from the top screaming for food. So the 2 juveniles did survive. Also I heard from Ken B who I met at the SCC the other night and he saw 3 red tailed hawks flying together by the SCC. Too cool

Female American Kestrel

Male American Kestrel

2 Juv Red Tailed hawks and 3 Kestels at SCC July 28, 2010

2010-07-28T21:50:00.008-04:00

Juv American Kestel (waiting for confirmation on Juv status)

Adult - the second one flew away before I got there.

I was out looking for the hawks when to my surprise I found a male and female American Kestrel and one juv in the trees at the front of work. Then out of the blue sky came a beautiful hawk and on the roof of the SCC a screaming juv. After looking at the shots they flying hawk was a juv red tail so both are accounted for. YAHOO.

Occasional sighting of fledged Red Tailed hawk July 26, 2010

2010-07-26T20:06:00.008-04:00

Today I saw one hawk sitting on the light stands and public art pieces. Sighting will become harder each day. They do not cry as much plus they are flying very high and very far away.

Screaming Fledged Red-Tailed hawks July 23, 2010

2010-07-23T21:38:00.005-04:00

Again the red tails were flying everywhere and screaming non stop.

A few quiet momeents

Flight shots of fledged red-tailed hawks July 23, 2010

2010-07-23T21:35:00.005-04:00

Today I saw the 2 young red tailed hawks as well as the 2 adults flying in the distance.

Red-Tailed Hawk young July 22, 2010

2010-07-23T21:31:00.008-04:00

I had no trouble finding the hawks today. They were screaming for food all day. The interesting part was they were all over the place - on top of the condos, on top of the building, in the trees, on the light stand.

Close to the SCC today - Red-Tailed Hawks July 21, 2010

2010-07-21T21:50:00.008-04:00

I saw both fledgled red-tailed hawks very low today. One walked on the parking lot and was drinking water from a puddle.

Some close ups of the youngsters July 20, 2010

2010-07-20T22:23:00.007-04:00

Time is moving very fast. The hawks are seldom seen low on the branches. They never stop crying but they are spending more and more time higher up on the building.
I will enjoy taking the last of the photos. They are still dependant on the parents but only for a few more weeks.

Playing by the construction site July 20, 2010

2010-07-20T22:19:00.008-04:00

The fledglings are spending more and more time soaring in the sky and sitting on the condo and construction site.

Check out the hawk shadow

Some shots of the Fledged Red-Tailed Hawk July 17, 2010

2010-07-20T22:02:00.017-04:00

I took these shots before I knew that the youngest red tailed hawk had died. It makes every photo more special. Janice and I enjoyed watching them fly and play with the bugs. Janice was there before I arrived and could here them but not see them. I pulled in the parking lot and they flew right by my car. These are very special birds.

Eating bugs on the ground

2 young Red-Tailed Hawk but hoping to hear the 3rd July 19, 2010.

2010-07-19T20:10:00.012-04:00

Youngest Male Fledgling - The oldest female sat on top of the SCC most of the day.

Today was so hard to go and look for the hawks. I kept thinking I would hear the third red tail fledgling. Carol and I walked the park during lunch and saw 2 youngsters and then both adult red tails flying overhead. The male looks awful and that is mostly due to him molting. A few shots.

Female

Male and Female flying above the SCC

Male - notice the ratty tail feathers - molting

Sad News - One Fledgling has passed away July 2010

2010-07-18T11:17:00.007-04:00

I received word today that one of the workers found a dead red-tail hawk in the the woods this past week. (He told Janice it did not have a red tail - a beige brown colour). No signs of tauma but I did not see the hawk. The last time I saw all three together was on Monday July 12. Yesterday Janice and I saw two young and I thought I heard a third (but I was wrong). These are the perils of living in the city with lots of cars and windows. The other two are doing well and soaring high in the sky. Ann

This is one beautiful hawk - we will really miss him

Fledged Red Tailed Hawks soaring and sitting July 16, 2010

2010-07-16T20:16:00.015-04:00

On arrival at work today I heard the young crying (as normal), so I went up the hill and saw 2 of them flying around the branches. Two landed on a light stand and i was at the top of the hill. Suddenly one looked at me and then flew right towards me and landed on a branch right in front of me. He took a good look and did some poses for me. Rory told me he had seen all 3 that morning. They are also taking to sit on the condo ledges. Someone going on their patio is going to be surprised by them I am sure.

Flying around the trees

Coming to visit me at the top of the hill

Two in tree crying for food.

Notice the sunlight on the wing tips.

On the edge of the condo

Soaring and soaring around the building July 13 2010

2010-07-13T22:00:00.009-04:00

I love to watch the young hawks soar around the building. The two were playing together and flying one behind the other. Notice the one has a nice full crop (big pouch under the neck that food is stored in)

Nice and Close to a young Red-tailed Hawk July 12, 2010

2010-07-12T20:38:00.007-04:00

Today while many of us were watching the hawks the female came in with food and all three went to see who got it. This young hawk landed right in front of me on the branch - I had to step back to get him in the shot.

Young Red-Tailed hawks eat worms, bugs and sticks July 10 2010

2010-07-10T18:39:00.003-04:00

He was checking out the ground and tree when he spotted this nice bug - tilted his head and jumped in the air to catch him.

Bark

Worms

Ladybug

A couple of places they were sitting

Young Red-Tailed Hawk - check out the leg action July 10, 2010

2010-07-10T18:29:00.011-04:00

When I arrived at the nest today all three were sitting close together with one leg hanging down. Also just below them were a pile of feathers from lunch.

2 in the tree

Beautiful eyes

Theme of the day is Young Red-Tailed Hawks never stop crying July 9, 2010

2010-07-09T20:34:00.005-04:00

Heavy rain outside and all we heard was non stop crying. You really have to look now as they are everywhere, on top of the building, public art, trees, lights and they are moving all the time.

How to tell adult from youngster July 9 2010

2010-07-09T09:34:00.006-04:00

Many have asked how to tell the hawks apart.

The fledged red tail hawks (all 3 of them) have brown tails. They will depart sometime in August and migrate in the fall.

The 2 adult have a bright red tail. They live in the SCC all year round.
See the bright red tail in photos

Non stop crying from the young red-tailed hawks

2010-07-09T09:27:00.008-04:00

I watched the hawks during lunch and they cried the whole time. After work went to the top of the hill and saw the female coming in with food a single mouse. The young red tail beside me flew off to the roof and snatched it form the adult. She flew off and then the youngster flew back to the nest with her two little brother screaming behind her

Food arrives with female on top of SCC.

Femlae leaving

Young hawk with mouse - see reflection in the window

Other two screaming for food

Only one with food

.

Group Shots of the Red-Tailed Hawks Juveniles July 7, 2010

2010-07-07T22:22:00.010-04:00

**Swoonderful**
What are the odds that one gets to see three (yes.. all three) eyas chattering away and chasing each other around and around? Slim to none, according to resident hawk expert and blogger Ann. This afternoon we were lucky to see the trio live and up close, flying high and low around the SCC area. It was attention getting and awesome. A number of other people stopped to see what the action was all about. We thought they could have been fighting over foodstuffs, however no evidence of any edible snacks; maybe they are simply overheated from the weather. Carol Paar

See the next three pages from today adventures.

Flying fast, high and still crying July 7, 2010

2010-07-07T22:17:00.006-04:00

At one point all 3 hawks were chasing each other. I thought that one had food but no they were just fighting like normal kids do.

Too Hot and Constant Crying from the Red-Tailed Hawks

2010-07-07T22:13:00.009-04:00

Soaring around and around the cranes July 6, 2010

2010-07-06T21:36:00.007-04:00

Soaring high above the building was one young red-tailed hawk this evening. What a joy to watch him soar around and around and then finally land on the building.

Too Hot for the juvenile Red-Tailed Hawks July 6, 2010

2010-07-06T16:56:00.007-04:00

The juvenile Red-Tailed Hawks were panting and had their wings open trying to cool off. They then took to the woods and were till seen trying to cool down.
Red-Tailed hawks to not drink water - they get all the liquid they need from the food they eat. The blood is their source of liquid.

Youngest

Middle

Oldest juvenile

Juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk photos by: John Pursley July 1, 2010

2010-07-05T20:16:00.011-04:00

John Pursley (City Staff) took these photos of the juvenile red-tailed hawk on Canada Day July 1, 2010. Thank you for letting me put them on the blog John.

Photo Credit to John Pursley for all photos. Thank you again.

The Juveniles have moved - July 4, 2010

2010-07-04T18:10:00.008-04:00

Janice and I went by the nest of the Red-Tailed Hawks. Leslie, Mike and their friends were also there. For quite some time I could not find them or hear them. Normally within minutes you see one in the tree, or you hear them. Today we split up in groups and went to look. Finally we heard one in the distance and landed at the Centre to thrill Leslie's friends and Janice. The flight of the red-tail juveniles distance is 4 times larger than yesterday as well as the height of flight is to the top of the condos. The most important details is the call has changed - it is a mix of baby and adult. Totally amazing.

New Toy - Tim Horton's Cup July 3, 2010

2010-07-03T20:15:00.005-04:00

What a great day - Peter, Bernie and Florence came to the nest and enjoyed watching the antics of the juvenile hawks. The last thing we saw was the hawk picking up a Tim Hortons cup, throwing the cup and trying to catch it. Again learning new hunting skills.
Not great shots but just have to post them.

In Flight with the Hawks July 3, 2010

2010-07-03T20:11:00.007-04:00

the juvenile red-tailed hawks were flying all over the place. They are still flying very low. Today a group of people came out the centre and saw the hawks and started yelling and flapping their arms. It totally freaked out the hawks and one almost flew into the building.

Juvenile Red-Tailed hawks hunting in the plants July 3, 2010

2010-07-03T20:05:00.009-04:00

It was so hot - the juvenile was running up and down the edge of the walkway picking up bugs, leaves, and sticks. Notice the tongue out (panting will cool them down just like your dogs)

Some shots of the Red-Tailed Hawk July 2, 2010

2010-07-02T22:44:00.006-04:00

Adult - she was screaming on the pole. Please note: that I take the photos with a 400mm lens and do a 50% crop on all my shot. It may appear that the hawks are very close to me but they are not.

Wiping her beak

Juveniles

Female Red-Tailed Hawk brings in dinner July 2, 2010

2010-07-02T22:41:00.006-04:00

Female Red-Tailed hawk came in with dinner while I was there. She was sitting on the construction site with the food. All 3 chased her trying to grab it.

Food is dropped and as usual the female juvenile takes it all. The other two keep on crying for food.

Flying with the juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk June 2, 2010

2010-07-02T22:37:00.010-04:00

today the hawks were flying all over the place. They were also flying so low that horns were honking. Very scary watching them do this. when they are high they are beautiful.

Happy Canada Day - all 3 Juvenile Red Tails at the parade July 1, 2010

2010-07-01T19:00:00.008-04:00

Calling for food

Doing his exercises

The 3 juveniles are getting bolder and bolder June 30, 2010

2010-06-30T22:42:00.009-04:00

When I arrived today it was to see one red tail walking in the middle of the receiving lot. Getting lots of attention. The other 2 were flying so low that you could see people wanting to duck. Bob and I had a nice view of two of them.

Notice the shadow of the hawk on the white wall.

Red Tailed Hawk Family June 28, 2010

2010-06-28T20:47:00.013-04:00

When I arrived this juvenile was walking on the ground under the nest. He had just eaten and jumped on the tree branch and was wiping his beak. I noticed his tongue was also out. Not a great shot but very different.

check out the tongue. Double click to enlarge

2 of the juveniles were in the nest the whole evening - crying for food

Female hiding across the street deep in the leaves

Juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk on the ground June 26, 2010

2010-06-27T17:30:00.007-04:00

Carol and I were treated to the youngest red-tailed hawk landing on the ground. He was playing, eating bugs and then flew straight at Carol to cross the road. I yelled duck and she didn't move. She had this look of happiness and wonder (I know weird eh) that the hawk had come so close and she could feel him pass her.

Eating a bug

"Hooligan" learned a lesson this morning by: Chris McConnell

2010-06-27T16:41:00.004-04:00

The hawk I nicknamed "Hooligan" learned a lesson this morning - sometimes prey fights back!

She flew and landed hard on something just a few feet from me, and at first the hawk was winning the battle, and even mantled! I was so excited - thought I was witnessing the first successful attempt at hunting and expected to see a moth or some other little victim. Instead I realized as I was happily snapping away that the "prey" was a long strip of tape! She rolled around and started to panic after a bit and then engaged the other talon and looked like she was going to get tangled in it. I could tell it wasn't that sticky - I was more concerned about her somehow getting herself wrapped up...luckily the strip was long enough that I was able to step on one end so that she could step out of the other end without it "attacking" back. Luckily it wasn't very tacky because of the rain, I think the fact that it fought back was what startled her!

The funny thing was that after the incident she immediately looked like she was queen of the world again - not a single feather was ruffled!

To see more of Chris's incredible shots check out the link here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrismcc_pics/

Thanks Chris for taking care of the hawks. Photo credit to Chris McConnell - volunteer for the Toronto Wildlife Centre and a fantastic photographer.

Two young red-tailed hawks playing, fighting and biting June 26, 2010

2010-06-26T21:14:00.007-04:00

today I had a great view of the hawks while they played on the roof. I was some distance so the shots are cropped tightly. What a great 20 minutes of watching them try to bite one another.

Practicing to catch mice - Pretty Darn good June 26 2010

2010-06-26T21:08:00.002-04:00

Now this takes real talent. On Wed he was falling over carrying an acorn in his talons. They are getting pretty darn good.

Beautiful Red-Tailed Hawk Babies.June 26, 2010

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Fledged Red-Tailed hawks flight shots June 26 2010

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Today between the rain the hawks were very active. Here are some flight shots.

Preening and Looking pretty June 25, 2010

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Love this shot of the tail totally spread out for preening.

2 sitting together

All 3 red-tailed fledglings in trees June 25 2010

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2 young Red-Tailed Hawk playing on rood again June 25, 2010

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up on the rooftop red-tails play - looks like he is going to slide

The second red tailed fledgling was playing with the rocks again

Getting ready to fly

One beautiful fledged Red Tailed Hawk

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Just a slight twist of the head to get a different view of this beauty.

A few Extra shots from today June 23, 2010

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Public Art is now a rest area for hawk June 23, 2010

2010-06-23T22:44:00.005-04:00

Jack Carol and I were laughing from the 5th floor when we noticed 2 youngsters were resting on the public art piece. New hiding place in plain sight.

Lots of action on the red-tailed nest - lunch time June 23, 2010

2010-06-23T22:40:00.007-04:00

Feathers everywhere while the 2 young red-tailed hawks enjoyed their lunch. I gave up lunch as they were so amazing today.

Red tailed Hawk fledgling on tree branch June 21 2010

2010-06-22T20:45:00.005-04:00

How magestic is this young red tailed hawk.

Red-Tailed Hawk fledgling - Picture posing time June 21, 2010

2010-06-22T20:15:00.007-04:00

The 3 young hawks were posing in the trees. The sunlight came out and I loved the way it hit the feathers.