A Brett Odom Update on Charlotte and Pale Male Jr., Birds Eyeing Humans, Franklin Red-tail Hawk Nest, and the Ceiling Fan Parrot

Photograph by Donegal Browne
In regards to the blog conversation about Hawks looking humans in the eye, Quicksilver, my African Grey Congo, has almost constant eye contact with the humans in his view. He, of course, is a tame member of a wild species and so that isn't surprising. Also his look is completely different from that of a hawk. The expression changes depending on what is going on in the room and whether his behavior may have been responsible for changing it.

The urban hawk expression when eye to eye with a human, at least in mature birds, has a tendency to appear for want of a better way to put it, appraising. Unless you and the hawk have a long history and then it can be more particular.

Hawks, rural or urban, who are thinking of making a get away, look at humans, wait until the human is no longer looking at them and that's when they make their break. At first I thought it coincidence, but no, that's their method. One of the reasons it can be extremely handy to have more than one set of eyes involved while hawkwatching.

One contributor Jackie Dover's offerings for the day. For me this video is an absolute hoot. African Grey Congo parrots tend to be more on the reserved side, leaving the gymnastics mostly to the Amazons--not this guy. And don't miss his comment as he climbs up for another go.

Hi, Donegal:

Thought you might enjoy this little video: http://pettube.com/other_pets/parrot_ceiling_fan.html

Jackie Dover
Tulsa Hawk Forum


Photograph by Karen Anne Kolling
Speaking of animals looking at humans-- This finch appears to be scoping Karen out with binoc vision.

Photograph by Karen Anne Kolling

As you can see Rhode Island's Karen Anne Kollings Gonzo Deck is still thriving.

Photograph by Karen Anne Kolling
Skunks never seem to be the least intimidated, but rather have a wanna-make-something- out-of -it attitude.

Photograph by Karen Anne Kolling
And back to the business of eating.

I was so pleased to see an email with an update from Brett Odom, chief watcher of the nest of Central Park's southern Red-tails, Charlotte and Pale Male Jr.

Hey Donna.

After a long absence, Charlotte has been very active around the nest lately. For the past two winters I never see Junior and will occasionally catch glimpses of Charlotte, but for the past two weeks Charlotte has been perching on the nest ledge of 888 7th Avenue, soaring between the buildings on 7th Ave. as well as perching on the Essex House sign.

I'm not sure what has caused this recent bit of observable behavior after being out of sight for so long, but she is a very welcome sight. Unfortunately I do not have any photos, but I thought you would be interested in knowing that she's still around and active.

Regards,

Brett B. Odom

Photo courtesy of Gene Mancini of the Franklin Institute

An update and link concerning the Philadelphia nest contributed by Jackie Dover of the Tulsa Hawk Forum-

The Franklin nest grows apace, AND a video may be made about them!
http://sunnydixie.blogspot.com/

Donegal Browne