Female to the nest but no fledglings there - July 12 2009

Youngest fledgling resting

Adult with food


Met with Bernie and Florence in the afternoon to see the fledgling and no sign of them. The female came into the nest with a rat and sat there. No cries no sign of the the fledgling. The female flew off into the woods. We went for a walk and finally heard some crying and Florence saw 2 of them hiding in the woods. We did not want to bother them as one was eating and the other was resting on a branch so we just kept walking. Saw one more on the path and he was out in the open. Again we did not want to bother them so we enjoyed the look and left. I did try to take a photo but it was too dark. Later one eventually flew toward the building and landed on the roof - layed down and rested. A adult flew behind him.
NOTE:
For a long time there were only a couple people at work who watched the hawks and made sure they were safe and sound. Now that they are in the open people are starting to go into the area and look for them. I can understand this as they want photos of something wonderful and beautiful. Unfortunately it is driving them away. Even with them flying deep into the woods people today went deep into the woods to try and find them. The safety and well being of the hawks must come first. The hawks will always come out in the open at another time for photos. Please respect them and let them be. If they go into the woods - chances are they are eating (which they were today) or need privacy. Look from a distance do not go into their space.

I will continue to monitor the nest daily as I have since the first day back in march.

Soaring Fledglings today July 12, 2009

2 fledgling soaring for the first time


Enjoying the day


Fledgling flight shots




This morning I was joined by Jim B at the nest. We were treated to some high flying by all three fledgling as well as some nice close ups. For the very first time 2 of the young red tails were soaring around the SCC. They would flap 2 times then soar. First one did it then soared to the woods then the second one followed. Amazing. The third one watched. There was a lot of crying going on and I though perhaps we may be lucky to see food brought in but no luck. Great to meet you Jim.

Photos to follow later tonight.

Amazing Experience - report and photos by Chris McConnell July 11, 2009

Photos by Chris McConnell



Chris and I try to see who can take the best poop shots where ever we go. Chris calls it the Pooperazzi Shots!

I went down to visit Ann's red tail family and saw all three fledges (heard them long before I saw them!). One was in the nest eating, with a sibling on the next branch watching, and the third was busy moving from perch to perch practicing his hunting skills. I took some shots, then went toward the parking lot and sat under a small tree to watch him. A few minutes later he took flight, and I knew that he had flown close by. I thought he may have even landed at the top of MY tree...little did I know he'd not only flown into my tree but he was under it with me, on a branch about 7 feet above my head! I was as startled as he was. We spent about 15 minutes together, most of the time with him looking at me and tilting his head, wondering if he should fear me or hunt me. They are so inquisitive and naive at this age! Oh, one other really cute thing he did was, he kept looking at the trunk which was about 2 feet away from him. He would watch something, a bug I assume, and slowly open his mouth really wide and lean forward a few inches (not nearly close enough to eat it), and look like he was stretched as far as he could trying to reach it and would start to chew, as if to say "I so wish I could eat you!". It was in slow motion, and he did it a few times - it was adorable. Due to the heavy shade I didn't end up with as many shots as I'd hoped but it was great to spend some up close and personal time with such a regal, stunning creature.

Thanks Chris stunning shots.

Storm passed through all three red tail fledglings ok July 11, 2009

Keeping an eye on the squirrel and taking a scratch

Drying out


Youngest fledgling

Groundhog comes up between all three fledglings

Stopped by the nest after the storm and all 3 fledglings are fine. The one was in from the building with wings outstretched drying out. She was being harassed by a robin who has a nest nearby. It was dive bombing the fledgling. The other 2 were in the trees sitting in the sun.
Watched them for a bit and one of the sisters was very interested in a squirrel passing under the tree. I was sure the oldest was going to go after it but it just kept a very close eye on it.

Mantling over the food - Oldest fledgling takes charge July 9, 2009

Mantling to protect her food

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm lunch

Today I saw the oldest fledgling take charge of the food and show the other 2 who is in charge. The fledgling (a female) mantled the food and would not allow either brother or sister near the food. She ate 95% of the pigeon herself. The second oldest fledgling tried to come in for food and she mantled it again and started to run on the ground carrying the food. Finally near the end she allowed her sister to come near and have a bit of the food. (NOTE: all of this was taking place on the ground). The youngest fledgling did not even try to come near the food - sat in the tree and watched what was going on. Did some crying but did not go near the food.

Before I arrived the 2 adults had arrived and dropped off food. Apparently the oldest fledgling then flew into the woods across the street with the food and the other 2 fledgling chased her. According to the people watching they made quite the noise and it was quite the chase. I had no trouble finding them. I could hear them across the street. lol.

Red Tail Hawks - Male bringing in Food for fledgling today - Female flying around also July 8, 2009 (double click to enlarge photo)

Female Red Tail Hawk


Male Bringing in the food to the Nest

Youngest Fledgling flying out of the nest

Fledgling eating

It was really wonderful to see the male red-tail hawk drop off food in the nest today (small bird) and the female red tail hawk was soaring around the nest as well. She landed on a light stand and then flew over top of me.
The youngest fledgling was crying on a branch today - flew into the nest grabbed the food then took it back to the branch. He then dropped it on the ground. Waited for 2 hours hoping he would eat it. No luck. Later he did go back and pick it up and eat.
The other 2 fledgling were hanging around as well.
So all is well at the red tail nest.

2 Fledglings Crying for Mom - She was high on the construction site July 7, 2009

Youngest and oldest fledgling - Have you seen mom

2 older fledgling playing on the branch - you can just see the twig in the ones mouth



Stopped in for a while today and saw all 3 fledglings. All 3 fledglings were in a tree and underneath them were 2 ground hogs (mom and a baby). Now that is a sight you don't see often. The youngest looks good and the other two were playing as usual. Just before I left the youngest flew to a tree by the building and one the older fledgling joined him. They were crying and crying into the sky and sure enough I looked up and there was the female high on the building top. Amazing.
One of the fledgling was also breaking branches today and carrying them when flying. Very cool - just like mom.