Wednesday, April 8, 2020,
This is a Red-tailed Hawk. I’m going to go out on a limb here, but I’m pretty sure it sees me. Call it a hunch. JK
JK
I Think He Sees Me
8
Tag Archives: Red Tailed Hawk
Red-Tailed Hawk at Lunch
Tuesday, January 28, 2020,
I was at the Elizabeth A. Morton Refuge in Sag Harbor and ready to call it a day there when I saw a Red-tailed Hawk some distance away. I took some very ho-hum shots of the back of this hawk while it scanned its territory. Occasionally, it would peer over its shoulder and I’d get a glimpse of its stately profile, but I really wasn’t getting any pics that I could really use. Nothing with oomph!, if you know what I mean.
Then, – I’d love to write “suddenly” but nothing this magnificent bird did seemed sudden or rushed – then it lifted itself from its perch and glided down to a small but comparatively deep valley in the lightly wooded field. This large bird disappeared, but then it reappeared during two big hops.
That second hop must have been the gotcha! moment because when the hawk finally lifted off, it was carrying a good sized rat in its talons. It flew off to one tree, and then another, before tearing into its lunch. And I do mean tearing. What did you think that oh-so-sharp beak is for?
Rats are a major problem at the Morton Refuge. If you’ve read any of my previous posts about this wonderful place, you know that several species of the local birds birds will come and eat seed right from your hand. There is no denying the fact that this is major league cool. Unfortunately, leftover and discarded seed helps to maintain rodent populations to artificial proportions. Not to mention that most of the rats in North America, Rattus norvegicus, are an introduced and highly invasive species. The rats at Morton are major predators of ground-nesting birds and their eggs. Any critter that decides to make a meal of one of these interlopers is doing all of us, let alone Mother Nature, a favor.
Eight minutes later and our hero, who is the hawk, just in case you haven’t been paying attention, was already cleaning its beak on the branch. Less than two minutes after that, she was off to another perch, perhaps to search out a bit more lunch. I, myself, was off to another location and as luck would have it, I was not done shooting for the day. JK
Introducing The Brookhaven Young Birders Club
Friday, April 19, 2013,
This past Saturday morning Four Harbors Audubon Society had our monthly walk at Avalon Park and Preserve. We meet every second Saturday at 8 AM, 9 during the winter, at the Duck Pond in Stony Brook. It was a terrific morning. Comfortable weather, sunny skies, and friends I haven’t seen in far too long. 
We were joined by the Brookhaven Young Birders Club. This is one talented group. Sharp eyes and sharp minds. One of this crew spotted – and identified! – a Northern Harrier from at least a half a mile away. Older, (I mean more experienced), but by no means more able, birders confirmed this with binoculars. These young birders are that good.
That’s some of them in the photo above. They’re pointing out a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk that was perched above one of the farm fields. In the pic below you can see that same bird trying to see what all the excitement is all about.
This crew compiled a very impressive bird count for the morning’s walk. They really know their stuff and they’re eager learners. One of them keeps a blog of their adventures. You can check it out here.
The Brookhaven Young Birders Club is open to anyone between the ages of ten and seventeen. If you know any young people that like birds or even just finding new places to hike and explore here on Long Island please contact Cathy at cmasrour@gmail.com. This is a good bunch. You should check them out. JK
A Red-tail At The Spring Festival
Thursday, April 12, 2012,
More Sweetbriar goodness here. Last Saturday, Sweetbriar Nature Center had their annual Spring Festival. I came by to take some pics. The place was hopping. And I’m not talking about just the Easter Bunny. We drew a huge crowd this year.
I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. It was the day before Easter and Sweetbriar had a jam-packed schedule of fun for everyone. There were games, stories, wildlife programs, face painting, and egg hunts. The egg hunts were the big favorite. For more pics of the festivities, check out Sweetbriar’s Facebook page. I posted some pics there as well.
My favorite part, as always, was the wildlife presentations. It was a beautiful day with lots of sun, perfect for taking pics. This Red-tailed Hawk was just one of the day’s attractions. Such majestic birds, don’t you think? JK
Red-tailed Hawk At Sweetbriar
Sunday, October 3, 2010
This is one of a pair of Red-tailed Hawks at Sweetbriar Nature Center. Sweetbriar, in Smithtown, NY, is one of my favorite haunts. The place has a lot to offer a guy like me. There are several well-maintained trails that take you through varied habitats, including woods, open fields, and since the Nissequogue River passes by, even wetlands. Lots of photo opportunities.
Sweetbriar specializes in nature-geared educational programs and animal rehabilitation. Housed on the grounds are several animals that are too badly injured to be released back into the wild. This Red-tail is one of many “animal ambassadors” living here. They complement the educators and really help to make the lesson stick. I also feel that when anyone gets a good, close look at these animals, or any animals, they can’t help but come away thinking that we should do everything we can to preserve these creatures and the places they need to live. JK
JK