Introduction
There is a vast array of life forms in our community including the smallest of insects, most beautiful flowers, tallest trees, peskiest of mammals and most wonderful birds. Since Pebble Creek has a very rich, diverse ecosystem that begs to be explored, we wanted to start a column that all residents are welcome to contribute. For the next newsletter we hope that you tell us about your favorite “wild thing”.
Red-Shouldered Hawk
In this post we will discuss the family of hawks that chose Pebble Creek to raise their young this spring. You cannot mistake the cry of a Red-Shouldered hawk (listen at: Red-Shouldered Hawk Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology They have the distinction of being “the loudest” hawk. They favor wooded areas with water, and prey upon small mammals (e.g. moles, mice & squirrels), snakes, amphibians and occasionally, smaller birds. Hawks are a bird of prey that are monogamous and mate for life. While mating they perform a “sky dance” that includes high soaring, steep dives, and wide swirls. They build their nest in the highest crux of the main branch of a tree but below the canopy. I discovered a pair of nesting Red-Shouldered Hawks in the forest between Constitution and American around mid-March of this year and saw a few “sky dances” when walking our dogs. Females will typically lay 2-4 eggs and incubate the nest for 4 weeks. During this time the male is very busy hunting, and defending the nest.
Hawks are blind at birth and require a lot of food and water. During the 44-48 days until the little one learns to fly, both parents are very active. Hawks live between 13-25 years and typically have a wing span of 3-4 feet. Given that they typically return to the same nest year after year, it is hard to tell how long this nesting pair has been using this spot. I would love to hear from neighbors how long they have seen (and heard) our Red-Shouldered Hawks flying above.
by Diane Groff
