Twitterpated Pliliated

The loud, raucous call of an agitated piliated woodpecker drew our attention to a nearby tree where both it and a red-shouldered hawk were perched. The woodpecker was intent on harassing the hawk, which held its ground, seemingly unruffled. The confrontation was understandable in light of the fact that the hawk eats small critters includingContinue reading “Twitterpated Pliliated”

Rare Pair

We frequently see solitary hawks perched on fences, low branches and even on top of the bird feeders, but seldom are they seen together like this. These two hawks, with their feathers buffeted by the breeze, seemed to be watching for food, friend, or foe together. No matter what they were seeking, little could escapeContinue reading “Rare Pair”

Little Red Riding-hawk

This young hawk perched on the backyard feeder and had us searching the books to identify it. Bandings on the tailfeathers looked familiar, but the rest not so much. Finally, I took its photo and the online app identified it as a juvenile red-shouldered hawk. We have lots of these hawks in our neighborhood, butContinue reading “Little Red Riding-hawk”

Mocking the Bird

There were strange flurries visible outside the window so I had to go investigate. A red-shouldered hawk had perched on the birdfeeder, and a mockingbird had become fed up with it. After several passes from different directions the mockingbird zeroed on the seat of its problem. After a quick lick to the hawk’s derriere, theContinue reading “Mocking the Bird”

They’ve Left the Nest

The nest is empty; two young hawks have left for the local trees and are learning how to live and hunt on their own under the watchful eyes of their parents. Their presence is made known with their calls, clumsy appearances in the back yard, and an occasional glimpse of fallen feathers which will soonContinue reading “They’ve Left the Nest”