The Red-Shouldered Hawks Have Restored Nest~

The Red-Shouldered Hawks have restored nest number two, and female is brooding once again, hoping 3rd attempt is the charm~

Our neighbors that own the property behind us with the nest tree rang me up quite happy to share yesterday that the hawks were indeed back and that they were sharing duties on the nest. Needless to say, I am thrilled and oh so very hopeful. The next 2 to 2 1/2 weeks will be the biggest hurdle, until the adults can hear chicks from within those precious eggs. Once that hurdle is made, the hawks should not abandon the nest. I went ahead last evening and pinned the nest tree, as well as six others, to help keep Raccoon's away. We have many of these critters and they wreck a hawks nest in record speed. Both myself and the land owner from last season's nesting, can attest to the fact that Raccoon's take the young and it is a terrible task to deal with both ridding the remains as well as having to listen to the heartfelt cries of the adults for up to 2 days as they mourn their loss. It is simply best to take any and all precautions to make for a successful nesting season.  In these images you see the female going to great lengths to choose just the right piece of greenery to take to her nest, and then flies with it in her beak and places it carefully.  Greenery both makes nest more comfy, yet also marks to others that nest is taken~