The fledglings have moved to a new location - so far I have not found them July 21, 2009

Cooper Hawk


Arrived today to look for the red tail fledgling to find the area empty of hawks and no sounds. Wandered around with no luck. The security guard told me he saw all three playing early (6:30am) this morning by the nest and then they flew away. As I was leaving I saw the youngest fledgling perched on the hydro pole by the main road. He flew across the main road and disappeared south by Ellesmere. I decided to have a look for them - drove around with the windows open and looked on the house tops and trees but no luck. Just as I gave up I did see a hawk - I got excited - but it was not the babies it was a beautiful female Cooper Hawk with a fresh kill in her talons. I will attach a photo of her.

I hope to find the new location of the red tails and plan on taking a drive around the area soon but I am thrilled to see they have grown up and are moving on. The area where they have gone is a quiet neighbourhood with less danger than the nest. I will miss seeing them and hearing them daily but what a thrill it has been.

Fledglings moving farther from the Nest July 20, 2009

Stopped in at the nest today and only saw the youngest fledgling. He was sitting in the tree just relaxing. Lots of left over lunch feathers below him. According to Adrian he had been flying around earlier. The other 2 were seen flying south across Ellesmere Road so they are moving further and further from the nest. I was told by Colin to enjoy my time with them as they will continue to expand their territory and it seems they have already started to do this.

Report from Bob and his wife July 18, 2009

Report by Bob:
Visited the hawks today for a couple of hours.

Very active, flying and perching everywhere. It was so active we were having a hard time keeping them straight. My wife thought all 5 were in and around the vicinity. They were on the crane, the new condo balconies and even the top floor balcony of the building across from the YMCA. One of the eyas was crying out constantly and that's when the parents came in about 10 minutes after. The two bigger eyas
were hanging out together most of the time. It was great seeing them buzzing all around.

Thanks for the report Bob. It may be a few more days before I can go again. Ann

Red tailed hawks fledgling doing well July 16, 2009

The second fledgling was nearby - love the angle of the head


All 3 were flying low today. When I arrived on the road the first thing I had to do was duck as one was chasing the other (the lead fledgling had food in his talon). When I looked to the right the 3rd one was coming in looking for food as well. I could hear them grunting for their share as i walked across the street.
They look really great and are flying all over the parking lots, wooded lot and buildings. Saw one adult flying around the building as well. Also saw the remains of lunch under the tree by the nest.

Fledgling Soaring and screams like an adult Cool July 15, 2009

Soaring and screaming like the adults

Mmmmmmmm any mice in here

What a beautiful bird


Today I stopped in for a very short time. Saw all 3 fledgling as they flew all over the place. They were definitely hunting (poorly) but trying to catch squirrels. At one point a gull went by with food in his mouth and the 2 oldest fledgling took off and chased him for the food. Man did the gull take off into the woods fast. Only one fledgling came back and no sign of the gull (mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm). The other fledgling was flying around and soaring then all of a sudden I heard that red-tail call I love (if you have never heard it go on the right side of my blog and double click COOL THINGS ABOUT THE RED TAIL HAWK and listen to the call). It was so amazing and cool at the same time. The babies are growing up.

photos to be posted later

Fledgling Talon Touching in the sky July 15, 2009

Adult with full crop and bringing food into the nest

Fledgling playing on the ground

When I arrived yesterday I had just missed the excitement. Daniel told me that two the fledgling were playing in the air and grabbing each others talons. I have seen this with Peregrine Falcons but not with Red-Tail Hawks. Daniel was really excited about it and I wished I had seen it. What I saw was 3 fledgling screaming for food. lol. Two were in the nest and one in the tree below. I looked for the female and saw both adults on the crane in the construction site - then takeoff here they come both with food in their talons. The male landed in the nest first and then left - then came the female. The one female fledgling took over the food, mantled it and the other 2 watched. It looked like a pigeon so hopefully all 3 will eat. Wait the adults come in with more food and drop it on the ground - looks like two rats. Guess who leaves her food and go to grab both of them and takes them to the nest - Yup the female fledgling and again the other 2 are watching. (Pretty soon the one female will be too big to fly lol) I had to meet someone and when I returned 45 min later all 3 were quiet so I hope that means they all ate something.
A hawk friend told me - if they are not getting enough food they would not be able to fly and all 3 are flying really well.

Fly baby Fly - Fledglings flying all over the sky July 13, 2009 (double click to enlarge photos)

All 3 fledgling flying - wanted to give you all the different angles - enjoy





Arrived at the nest to see the 3 fledgling soaring around the building. Beautiful sight.
The adult arrived with food and 2 fledgling were able to get something and of course one didn't - he cried for food up in the nest and then finally layed down up there. I do worry that the youngest is getting enough food. But the flying on all three looks good.