NOTE: This observation is a continuation of a previous post. The earlier article can be found here: Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 7

Its been a while since I last posted about the Baylor Red-tailed Hawk nest, but judging from these pictures things are coming along nicely.

When I arrived, the female was standing on the rim of the nest. She was no longer incubating, which certainly mean there are young red-tails in the nest now. The warm weather meant no brooding was necessary at this time either.

I spotted the male nearly 700 yards/meters away, perched on top of a cell phone tower. Shortly after I noticed him, he took to the air and flew high circles over just to the south of my position. Eventually, he broke off and disappeared to the southeast.

I waited for nearly and hour for him to return. My hope was that he would come to the nest with food. But, that did not happen. Instead, at some point while I was waited, the male returned to his perch on top of the cell phone tower. I decided to go over to have a closer look.

Of note here was an unusual juxtaposition of hawk and European Starling which made them appear to be rubbing beaks in some pictures. An optical illusion!

NOTE: This post is continued here: Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 9

This is the  female perched above the nest.
This is the female perched above the nest.
A little closer look.
A little closer look.
The male hawk far in the distance.
The male hawk far in the distance.
The male flying by.
The male flying by.
Heading off to the southeast.
Heading off to the southeast.
The juveniles are down in the cup of the nest and remain unseen.
The juveniles are down in the cup of the nest and remain unseen.
Another look at the female by the nest.
Another look at the female by the nest.
The male has returned to the tower.
The male has returned to the tower.
A closer look at him.
A closer look at him.
The starling and hawk gaze meaningfully into each other's eyes...
The starling and hawk gaze meaningfully into each other’s eyes…
...before engaging in a bird kiss!
…before engaging in a bird kiss!

Observation Details

CountyDenton
CityCarrollton
DateApr 12, 2013
Time of DayNoon
TemperatureWarm (70-89°F/21-32°C)
WeatherClear
HabitatAgricultural-Farm
Type of BehaviorCare of Young
GenderMixed
MaturityAdult
ObserverChris Jackson

One Reply to “Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 8”

  1. calling it the Baylor Red-tailed Hawk is a bit misleading since when I see Baylor I think of the main campus down in East Dallas. considering the nest is in Carrollton could you at least put that in the title?

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