Red-shouldered Hawk – Nest Update, The Last

This observation is part of a weekly monitoring of an active Red-shouldered Hawk nest. Last week’s observation can be seen here: Red-shouldered Hawk – Nest Update 7

On my way to the nest today, I ran into a fellow I have spoken with about the hawk’s nest on previous visits. He told me that he had seen one of the juvenile hawks flying the day before.

This was exciting news, of course, but I was afraid it meant I was going to find an empty nest when I got to my viewing spot. Well, almost. When I arrived at the nest I was pleased to find a single eyas still there.

The youngster’s two siblings were long gone, and this lone juvenile was perched up on the rim of the nest clearly contemplating whether he should make a break for it as well. As I watched, the young hawk looked up as if choosing his destination.

He spread his wings as if stretching and conducted a series of test flaps.

Then the young hawk leapt into the air and flew over to a nearby tree. The flight and landing were a bit clumsy, but he made it safe and sound.

I managed a few pictures of the last eyas on his new perch before I called it a day.

The Red-shouldered Hawk’s nest was empty when I left. It appears as if all three of the juvenile hawks have fledged successfully!

Observations Details

County	–	Dallas
City	–	Dallas
Date	–	May 25, 2012
Time of Day	–	Noon
Temperature	–	Hot (greater than 89°F/32°C)
Weather	–	Windy
Habitat	–	Recreation-Park
Type of Behavior	–	Care of Young
Gender	–	Mixed
Maturity	–	Mixed
Observer	–	Chris Jackson