NOTE: This observation is a continuation of a previous post. The earlier article can be found here: Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 8

The male Red-tailed Hawk was seen flying into the nest as we were parking our car on this Sunday afternoon, but he did not stay long. By the time we had our gear collected and were ready to exit the car the male had already taken to the air again. Evidently, he stopped by just long enough to drop off lunch for mom and his still unseen youngsters.

He male did loiter a bit before leaving the scene entirely. He did big lazy circles over our heads as he worked to gain altitude. I love watching these guys fly. It is fascinating to observe how they reconfigure their feathers and form to accommodate the various flight dynamics they encounter. Many of these photographs illustrate this point well.

NOTE: This post is continued here: Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 10

Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 9
Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 9
Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 9
Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 9
Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 9

Back at the nest, we found the female standing on the rim. As I mentioned earlier, the juveniles have not yet been seen, but this pair is clearly caring for young now.

Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 9
Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 9

A patch of white above the rim of the nest made me think for a minute that I was seeing one of the eyasses. On closer inspection, I now believe that this is just part of the prey animal recently delivered by the male. A Rock Dove from the looks of things.

Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 9

Observation Details

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

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