Female showing signs of feeding May 5, 2009

Again today more signs of feeding and caring for young. Saw female on the side of the nest again doing the bending forward motion into the nest.
No sign of the male red-tail at all.

Hatch Day for the Red-Tails May 3, 2009

Hatch day:
Today when I arrive to check out the red-tail hawks I noticed that something had changed. Mom instead of sitting on the eggs or sitting on the side of the nest getting ready to leave was standing on the edge of the nest looking into the nest. She was dipping her head in and out of the nest. This went on for a bit. Later she put what looked like bark, and her breast feathers in the nest. She then rested for quite some time. I was joined by Ron who lives in the neighbourhood and has seen the hawks flying around for some time. We watched the female red-tail fly off the nest for a very short time and come back with nest material. She flew over us and landed on the street light then flew into the nest. She immediately wove the material into the nest. I talked to Lyn about the new behaviour and she agrees that it looks like we have our first young eyas. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Female Couldn't Wait to Leave the Nest Today April 30, 2009

Male Landing on Nest

Male just settles his wings

Female squacking at Male

Female leaves (all this happens in less than a minute)

Female gone

Male left with eggs lol

Female leaving again 2 hours later

I picked the right time to watch the red-tail nest to day. Brought my camera to the 5th floor window at break time and Jack and I were able to see a really terrific sight.
The female was on the nest resting and you could see the beautiful red tail feathers. Her red tail feathers were actually twitching. In the distance the male came in and landed in the trees behind the nest. The male then came from behind to land on the nest - with the wings just barely down the female with her mouth open (I could swear she was complaining about something) stands up and takes off. The male is left standing on the side of the nest staring into space then at the nest (you could just here him say - like man I am in big trouble now). The female was gone so fast you could count to five. I laughed. That was one lady who sure did need a break!!!!!!!!!! I had to leave about 2 hours later and the female was just coming back to the nest. She headed to the nest and just as she was about to land - well she changed her mind and took off and went back around the building and flew away. I guess she decided to take a few more spins before her little ones arrive.
Now the photos are again taken from inside the building so they are not great. Enjoy

Young ones should arrive within a week April 29, 2009

If the books are right the eyas (baby red-tailed hawks) should arrived any time within the next week. Will keep you posted. Female sitting very quietly on nest.

Red-Tails Weathered Storm OK April 26, 2009

With winds hitting over 100ks over the last couple of days and having received a call from Carol who was worried about the nest I stopped in today to make sure the red-tailed hawks were ok. Arrived to see the female sitting quietly on the nest and the male soaring around the nest. To the right I noticed two red tails high in the sky. The male let out a cry and went on the chase. He is a beautiful red-tail. The speed is amazing and the cry of danger loud and clear. Watched for a good 10 minutes when I was lucky to see him return. He circled the nest then went to rest on the condos that are being built next door.

Day to Day work for Red Tails April 24, 2009

Female Red-Tail Hawk is sitting almost all the time on the nest. I very seldom see the male these days. I did walk under the tree today and found the remains of her meal (leftover carcass and feathers yummmmmmm). Not too long till hopefully the eggs will hatch and the male will become more active again at the nest.

One brave (or stupid) squirrel April 21, 2009

A note from Jack:
Some excitement this morning on the nest. I was about to go our for a little break at around 10:00. I looked out and saw some movement just below the nest. Upon further investigation, I saw that a squirrel was in the branches just below the nest. I continued to watch as the squirrel moved closer to the nest. About the same time the male hawk did a fly by but didn't come to the tree. As the squirrel came closer to the nest the female on the nest must have heard the squirrel and she became really big with her wings spread and I can only guess that she voiced her complaints as well. The last I saw, the squirrel backed off. I will let you know if anything else happens.