NAME THOSE HAWKS, Doves Don't Do it in Public and NYC Red-tail Updates

Hi Donegal,
I read recently on your blog about ravens - so I wanted to share these photos of a recent encounter I had with a redtail and raven (maybe?).
Last week I was in Arkansas visiting my daughter and while she was in class, I headed to one of my favorite places on the Caddo River near Arkadelphia ( 70 miles southwest of Little Rock). As I was getting ready to drive off, a redtail hawk flew into the clearing I was in! I quickly parked again and jumped out with my camera at the ready

... the redtail soon took off with a couple of large black birds following loudly in pursuit (ravens or crows?).

After about 90 seconds, the redtail circled ever higher and disappeared as the forest became quieter again.
Several weeks ago when I was in the same area, several hawks (Coopers or red shouldered, my photos were not clear enough for me to tell) were also being harassed by these black birds. I suspect they have a nest in the area the redtail flew into this last time.

I will also send along an update on Kay and Jay and their nest!
All my best - Cheryl

What is it about Red-tailed Hawks that makes them so rideable? Though this one looks to be heading down which might make it a little more difficult for the rider to peck at her head.

Cheryl, I think what you have here is a battle of Crows vs Red-tailed Hawk.

I got out my handy dandy Peterson's Field Guide and refreshed my memory about the sizes of the birds in question.

Red-tailed Hawks range from 19 t0 24 inches. American Crows come in at 17 to 21 and the Common Raven at 22 to 27 inches. Therefore looking at the size difference in the photographs I'm coming down on the side of Crows and Crows are infamous for taking on Red-tailed Hawks. Though smaller, given enough Crows they can become a real danger for Red-tails.

And yes, one of the NYC Coyotes was nabbed, from Robin of Illinois-
http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/18813523

AND NOW FOR SOME NYC RED-TAIL UPDATES

From hawkwatcher Peter Richter--

I posted a few updates on my blog-- http://queensraptors.blogspot.com/ Athena is now incubating eggs at Astoria Park, nest building still continues in Woodside, and I can't seem to figure out what is going on over at 1 fifth avenue. I plan to visit the Unisphere tom. where I believe I will find the female sitting on eggs, and 1 fifth avenue again Sunday to see if anything is happening with that nest. If you could ask your readers to come up with some names for all 3 pairs (Unisphere, Woodside- I'm considering Harry and Sally, and 1 fifth avenue), I'm getting tired of calling them male and female!!!

Regards,

Peter

YOU HEARD PETER, GET YOUR THINKING CAPS ON AND COME UP WITH SOME NAMES FOR THE UNISPHERE, 1 FIFTH (ONE VOTE SO FAR FOR ARCHIE AND ELEANOR)AND WOODSIDE (ONE VOTE FOR HARRY AND SALLY TO DATE)

From graduate student Zach Lemle who lives near the 1 Fifth nest.
Donna,

Things are very heavy with school at the moment, I only have 6 weeks left until graduation so the work seems to be coming to a head. I was away for a week and when I got back in was raining so I didn't see either of them for a few days. I saw one fly past my window once this past week but I have not noticed as much activity as I had in the previous weeks. Admittedly I haven't had as much time to pay attention but I'll spend more time looking.

As for names, to me the most logical always seemed like George and Martha, if they live in his namesake park they might as share their names. Archie seems a little silly to me (but that's just me!).

And speak of the devil, I just saw one of them land on the green cornice on one of the NYU buildings across the park, I'll see if I can get some new pictures. Speak soon.

- Zach

Zach,

I wondered if life might be getting in the way of hawkwatching, it happens to us all now and again.

As to the names George and Martha, I’m pretty sure that there is already a George and Martha in town. So though apropos to these birds, someone beat us to the punch.

If these hawks have started sitting the nest, which they very well may have, there will be less action compared to when they were working on the nest. They'll switch several times a day for the female to eat and have breaks but that's pretty much it for activity during incubation unless you see the male hunting or an intruder comes into the territory. And unwelcome visitor can cause lots of screaming and a hot pursuit.

THE WISCONSIN REPORT--Still no sign of the County Rd. M Red-tails but other birds are doing their spring thing...

I'd seen this young pair of Mourning Doves a few days ago warming themselves on the cement curb, than again as the male, the tall glass of water on the right, was driving the little plump bisquit of a female across the road.

"Driving" part of the dove family courting ritual, consists of the male following the female closely, every minute of the day so no other males can butt in. Mourning doves are rather polite about driving actually, giving the female some feet between himself and her tail. Pigeons on the other hand are so close when driving that they practically walk on the females tail.

They then flew up to the corner of the roof of an adjacent house, the female leaning over in an invitation to copulate and the male is about to take her up on it, when she notices I'm still watching.

Then he notices what she has noticed and gives me a look.

Then walks away from the hen still looking at me.

Then they are both staring at me--waiting. It is then I remember I've never once seen Mourning Doves copulate and it is clear why. They just aren't going to do it if you're looking. Feeling like some Peeping Tom, I drive away. I've no doubt they then got back to the matter at hand.

A swatch of rabbit fur (?) in the garden.

With the thaw one can see this well used rodent trail to the garden, that previously was covered with snow.

A closer look. It is beginning to get dark but the Robins are still calling at full voice.

I look up at the moon, in the sky of azure and clearly outlined against the blue, the Maple buds are swollen and about to burst. And today was the first day in which the male squirrels have begun to chase the females.

AND THE LATEST FROM PAT GONZALEZ AT THE NYBG--

03-25-2010
Donegal:

Earlier today at the NYBG, I saw a young red-tail hunting, or rather, trying to hunt by the twin lakes.

I've uploaded three photos on to my flickr page. Here is the direct link to one of them.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturecamhd/4463802672/in/set-72157623606942480/

Also, attached is a pic of a coopers hawk deeply entrenched in the wild wetlands. It was impossible to get a clear shot. Nextime, I'll ask him to move. : )

Pat

Donegal Browne

Red-tail Updates:Nest for Washinton Sq. Park RTs, Lola Sits, Cathedral Nest, Triborough Nest

Photo by Zach L.
Hello Donna,

I believe you commented on my blog "Old-NYC" sometime ago on a picture I posted of a Red Tailed sitting atop Judson Memorial Church off of Washington Sq Park. Anyway, I periodically see one or two large Red Tails flying around the park (I've seen them for about 2 years now) and just today I spotted one with two sticks in it's beak landing atop 1 Fifth. It appears they are in the process of building a nest at the very tip top of the building, just below the brick spire on the top. I've seen them perched on 1 Fifth many times but I've never noticed a nest.

- Zach

www.oldlongisland.com/

Thanks Zach for the exciting news! We've been wondering when the Washington's Square Park hawk might find a mate and nest. It looks like you've zeroed in on the spot. Keep your eyes peeled and keep sending in your updates. We'll all be waiting.


Photo by Zach Lemle
Hello Donna,

I sent the email about the two hawks that are building a nest on 1 Fifth Ave next to Washington Square Park...I managed to get some photos today so I thought I'd send a couple to you...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4410201845_f5547872be_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4410968916_1b20ccb79e_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4408798513_fed4391d98_b.jpg

- Zach
www.oldlongisland.com

Photo by Zach Lemle

And another beautiful shot from Zach from the roof. We can't wait to see and hear more Zach so keep you eyes peeled and keep us updated.

And from Central Park Hawkwatcher Ed Tindale--

I'd thought that Lola wasn't leaving the nest for the last couple of days but only stayed until dusk. Today I stayed watching the Fifth Avenue nest of Pale Male and Lola until it was dark and I believe I can confirm that Lola never left the nest and is now sitting.


Great news, thanks for you vigilance Ed!


And from Morningside resident Lara Larson, big news about Isolde and Norman--

Donegal,
I was excited last week when I was walking my dog, Tag, and thought I saw one of the St. Andrew's nest hawks fly into the nest at the Cathedral bringing a stick. I decided to stand and watch for them on Tuesday and sure enough the hawks are working on the nest. I saw a hawk bring three sticks and put them in the nest. I d0n't know which hawk. I can't tell them apart yet.

Lara

Super news Lara, keep watching and let us know how it's going. If you happen to have a camera try for a few photos too! They don't have to be perfect as they are for documentation so don't worry about that aspect.

And Isolde roosts once again on the fire escape, an update from Nara-

Hi Donna,
Our friend is back tonight after a long hiatus (she last roosted with us during that first snowstorm several weeks ago, on a Wednesday).
So what does this mean? Do they roost for the night in other locations even once they've started their nest? Or does her presence mean they haven't yet started their nest? Just curious...

Nara


Hi Nara,

Great to hear from you.

Isolde and Norman are likely working on their nest but once there are eggs Isolde will be on the nest for the night for months to come. First incubating the eggs and then brooding the eyasses. She usually won't roost elsewhere until all the young ones have fledged. Then she and Norman will roost in spots where they can keep an eye on their youngsters.
D


And from Jules Corkery, chief watcher of the Triborough Bridge hawks--

Hi All!
Atlas and Athena seem to have chosen a nest site for 2010. The site
is very close to the 2007 nest which is on the south side of the
bridge behind the tennis courts. It's about 20 feet over and slightly
higher than the old nest. It's underneath the roadway and is on a set
of 3 black pipes (there are large road signs on that section of the
bridge so these pipes might be for electricity to those signs? just a
theory). Atlas and Athena attempted to build their last year and then
moved to the north side of the bridge. The sticks they had laid there
last year are still there so they're building. Robert saw Athena
jumping up and down on it today

Jules

And a tidbit from Jeff Kollbrunner, chief watcher of Mama and Papa in Queens. Mama and Papa are notorious for switching nests sites from year to year. It appears tht they have given up tree nesting for the moment and have moved back to working on a building nest for this season.

And lest we get too Red-tailed Hawk glutted, (Is that even possible?), from NYBG contributor Pat Gonzalez--

Friends:

Here's some amazing footage of Great-horned owls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15x4twkEVak&feature=related

Pat

Donegal Browne

Red-tailed Hawk Update: Pale Male and Lola Part II

From what I could tell, that is Pale Male on the left, placing some food on the pigeon spikes on the the top of the window frame for Lola. But first the back story...




I spent a number of hours watching Pale Male and Lola on Sunday. A good many things happened before where we're going to start up right here, but if I put it all up at once it wouldn't get posted for several days more. Therefore we're starting at this point for the moment, alright it's in the middle but a rather natural break point so we can get on with it.



To recap a little, previous to this Lola was doing a tremendous amount of work on the bowl of the nest. She brought in grasses, she brought in bark, she brought in items identifiable, worked them into the bowl, sat in it, got up, re-worked them, sat again getting everything all ready and comfy for the upcoming extended period of time in which she'll be sitting in there. Pale Male was also in evidence, going after intruders, patrolling, visiting the nest, you name it.

There weren't a great number of hawkwatchers present, though Stella Hamilton and her binoculars were a great help even though it was overcast, cold, dim, and sleeted on us a couple of times but we did our best at trying to figure out what Pale Male and Lola were up to.

That caveat taken care of note that in the photo immediately above that there is now a dark lump, center, that was not in the top photo of the post. That is Lola rising up out of the bowl.

Here we have Lola flying toward the Linda Building. Where Pale Male went I don't know.

Lola then lands on the fence on the right side of Linda and begins to eat something.

She finishes off Pale Male's gift.

Waits in place a few moments. Immediately after eating Pale Male's gifts is often the moment for copulation.

She begins to look around. I look around. I don't see him either.

She switches to a corner of the masonry and waits a few beats.

Then begins scanning again.

Where is he?

She waits, feet gripping wide. Still no Pale Male.

Maybe he'll find this angle better?

Perhaps there is an intruder on the boundaries of the territory?

Lola heads for the nest and stands in the bowl. A typical defensive position often used and a protected spot with an excellent view of the area.

She switches to another vantage point and scans.

Ah, something happening on Madison Avenue?

Lola takes off for Stovepipe and the moment she arrives, Pale Male is there and they copulate.

They sit companionably next to each other. A relaxed Lola preens.

Pale Male watches; Lola preens. Copulation can muss ones feathers after all.

Something going on to the north.

Lola is beginning to have that fluffy breasted heavy looking pre-egg look.

Interesting that they are not, as they will do often, sit reversed from each other for a better view. Perhaps it is the big back drop of Stovepipe that makes that less important?

They truly are beautiful birds and deeply bonded to each other.

Pale Male takes off to the west, while Lola still perches.

Eventually she too takes to her wings and goes south. And I take to my heels and head southwest toward the subway.

Donegal Browne

Geez, That's a LOT of birdseed, and Carol Vinzant's Squirrels of 2009

The extended Crow family makes a cameo appearance fly-by.

Triborough Bridge and Woodside Fledgling Update
(From Astoria Hawkwatcher Peter Richter)
Hello All,
I managed to find all 3 fledglings and both parents from Astoria Park nest Saturday morning. They all look well, and I saw one fledgling(possibly #3) getting fed by Atlas.



The eyass at the Woodside nest is looking bigger every time I see it. It has lost all its grey feathers, and is now sporting a peach colored chest with brown spot underneath. Only the feathers on the head look like they need to fill out more. It spends a lot of time sitting on the edge of the nest preening and flapping its wings. The father was nearby, and both birds are looking well.




Regards,

Peter Richter


From: Karen Anne Kolling of Rhode Island
Hi,
What do you do about the cycle of more birds, supplying more seed, more birds, supplying more seed? I don't want to raise a generation that doesn't know how to forage in the wild, plus I'm buying a lot of birdseed.

A day or so ago I decided to fix the amount I put out each day, filling the feeders three times, but, of course, they ran dry at the end of the day and a mourning dove came up to the window, cocked her head sideways and looked me straight in the eye, you are going to let us starve?

There are a lot of fledglings out there too, mostly sparrows and grackles...Are they able to find food if I do fix the amount I put out each day?

Thanks...


HI Karen,

It sounds like you have quite the flock going. I know the problem with the seed though. Actually I got a little more of a handle on it by the type of feeders I put out, particularly as I have 10 squirrels out there at times. Do you have squirrels--those cute fluffy tailed bottomless pits. :-) Two of my feeders are semi-squirrel proof.

But if you just have birds, what to do? Are you still using the handy glass pie plate type deals? You could use one feeder that can be set to only allow the smaller birds to feed and not grackles for instance. Squirrels and larger birds close the feeder trough when they put their weight on the perch which saves some for the little guys.

If I have to limit the amount of seed, I make sure that some is left for late in the day so that the Mourning Doves, Doorstep and Friend, are sure to get their share as that is their main feeding time...at least at my feeder. Doorstep too has been known to come up to the door and give me "the look". She looks at me, she looks at the feeding spot, and then looks at me again. Though their three fledglings seem to spend a good bit of the day under the feeders eating and I would hate to deprive them.

The doves of course being ground feeders have the patio option here or some people use a platform feeder. Are the spaces between the wood of the deck big enough for the seed to fall through? You might be loosing a good bit that way.

As to foraging, they do learn but sometimes if there isn't anything around they have to go long distances to get food.

I've also read that feeder birds do a circuit of the neighborhood feeders if there are multiple people who feed. They used to recommend not feeding at all if you couldn't do it every day but they now know that if there are other feeders in the neighborhood the birds eat more at the neighbors if you're gone on vacation for instance. :-)

For some reason this year, except for DD and Friend, whose second clutch of the season was THREE chicks, I've had very few seed eating birds who successfully nested so far this season. (Except the House Sparrows who seem to do well no matter what.)

Spring was cold and wet and likely impacted the success rate. The turkeys didn't do well this year at all. I've talked to no one locally who has seen a single poult. The Robins have done okay, as have the rabbits. I had to put the little fence back up around the garden.
But the positive might be that the high bunny crop might bring a Red-tail back to the yard this year.


A treat from wonderful squirrel rehabilitator Carol Vinzant--
I put up the whole set of pictures for this squirrel season from when I first got Hayes to when I released him, Garfield, Chester and Tito
http://www.flickr.com/photos/animaltourism/sets/72157616027730850/
FROM THIS--


TO THIS



AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
Carol Vinzant

HOORAY for wildlife rehabilitators in general and Carol in particular!




Donegal Browne