NOTE: This observation is a continuation of a previous post. The earlier article can be found here: Red-tailed Hawk – Baylor Nest Update 13
Well, this day was coming. The Red-tailed Hawk nest was empty when I arrive on site this past Saturday, and I knew what that meant—the eyas had fledged!
Both parent birds were in the immediate vicinity. I noticed mom land on a tree on the far side of the field over 200 yards/meters away. The notched-winged male made his appearance by gliding to a hover directly above the nest.
It’s amazing watching these birds skillfully use the south wind to help them hold their position while they hover. The treeline was deflecting the steady blowing breeze up and over, and it only took an occasional wing beat for the male to remain stationary in the air.
As for the newly fledged juvenile—I knew he had to be somewhere in the treeline. But the foliage is dense in these trees. The young hawk would be hard to see. Still, I decided to make a cursory look for him.
Fortunately, it didn’t take long to find him. He was perched high in some bare branches in a place where a dead tree created a break in the treeline.
The young hawk is looking healthy and fit and sure of himself. And, as I turned to leave he gave me one more surprise—he took to the air. He is already an accomplished flier!
On the way back to the car I did something I rarely do. I took time to smell the flowers. The field in front of the trees was so full of wildflowers there really was no way to pass this up. Indian Blankets, Nodding Thistle, Clasping Coneflower, and others. Simply beautiful!
Observation Details
| County | – | Denton |
|
| City | – | Carrollton | |
| Date | – | May 25, 2013 | |
| Time of Day | – | Afternoon | |
| Temperature | – | Warm (70-89°F/21-32°C) | |
| Weather | – | Overcast | |
| Habitat | – | Agricultural-Farm | |
| Type of Behavior | – | Care of Young | |
| Gender | – | Mixed | |
| Maturity | – | Mixed | |
| Observer | – | Chris Jackson |
