The Red-shouldered Hawks of Tingsgrove and Beyond had 2 failed nest attempts last season, due to severe storms both times. New Eyas had already begun to be fed, when both occurrences happened and it was a very sad time for me, as well as the hen grieved for days after her second nest blew away~
We just ended week 4 of this season's nest, and the brooding of eggs has resulted in the hatching out of at least 2 eyas and I am really thrilled, anxious and hoping for success this time!
The trees have all grown green under the canopy of new growth and the nest is well hidden.
On Friday the sanitation truck ran over a young snake and while it was still moving, as they do, it was doomed, and so I carried it down to the nest sight. I have to be careful where I place these meals too. I want the hawks to be able to locate, but I do not want them to be placed so close that they would draw attention to Vultures, or walking predators that may get too close to the nest tree~
We just ended week 4 of this season's nest, and the brooding of eggs has resulted in the hatching out of at least 2 eyas and I am really thrilled, anxious and hoping for success this time!
The trees have all grown green under the canopy of new growth and the nest is well hidden.
On Friday the sanitation truck ran over a young snake and while it was still moving, as they do, it was doomed, and so I carried it down to the nest sight. I have to be careful where I place these meals too. I want the hawks to be able to locate, but I do not want them to be placed so close that they would draw attention to Vultures, or walking predators that may get too close to the nest tree~
Yesterday morning, I witnessed the first feeding at around 7:15 AM, first an eyas to the left side of nest...
and beneath, the hen feeding another eyas to the right side of the nest, and possibly another in between...
The hen then rested in the morning sunlight~
A second Red-shouldered Hawk nest sight that I have been following for several weeks, is just about in the same stage as the one near home, though I have not seen any feedings take place yet. The nest is located at an office complex and so I only take the drive into this location in Louisville on Sunday morning before going to church.
I must warn you here, if you have a weakness for such things, be aware that the next images may be disturbing.
As much as I have witnessed among these beautiful creatures, I must confess, it made me sad, and then... I realized this was nature unfolding, this takes place every day, thousands of times and I just happened to witness this one and what made things so bad, is... I have seen Gray Squirrels taken by these hawks, I have seen them take Chipmunks and the creatures die nearly on impact, not even knowing what happened, it occurs so quickly. This Blue Jay however, would just not give up and die and that was the most difficult part it the taking of these images.
I just kept whispering...die, please, just die, and then the hen finally carried it off to make sure it did just that and prepare it to feed her young eyas waiting up in the nest tree. The male had already retreated to the tree and awaited the hen's return~
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Mary, there is nothing finer than to visit and see these extraordinary photos you have taken. You chronicle their lives so beautifully... I hope they know how much you love them.
ReplyDeletepretty amazing shots of the action, even if it was disconcerting to watch. hope their nestlings will do well this year!
ReplyDeleteWow..so many many amazing photos to see, and you are right, it's n=the nature of things..
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are just so awesome! I loved your commentary about the creatures. They are so magnificent! I just love that you are able to find them and get such close ups!! The last few shots were a little hard to view, but like you, I understand why. I really didn't realize they even went after other beautiful birds. I guess that was the hardest part...
ReplyDeleteI totally appreciate your post today.
Brenda
That "is" sad, but it's nature at its best. Fabulous series of photos to capture the drama unfolding.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of the Hawk on the nest, its never pleasant to watch a bird with its prey but its all part of the nature of things. Thanks for sharing both sides of the coin with us.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images Mary. Good thing to have you as a friend.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteWonderful that the 'home' nest seems to be doing well.
ReplyDeleteAs disturbing as the last photos may be to some it is as you say nature unfolding. If we are to understand and protect and preserve wildlife the witnessing and documenting you have so wonderfully done is an important endeavor.
Excellent captures!
great photos...nature in action
ReplyDeletesuperb photographs and commentary; what an education.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful series, Mary. It is hard to watch these beautiful birds earn their food but at the same time I am pleased when they are successful for that means they will survive a bit longer.
ReplyDeleteA great series of photos. Nature can be both beautiful - and cruel!
ReplyDeleteOutstanding documentation of the kill! Thanks for having the stomach to record this action.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photographs!! How wonderful to be able to follow them nesting, hunting and so on...Yes it can seems cruel sometime...but that just naturlly...Great post!
ReplyDeleteFantastic sequence with the Blue Jay! Holy cow! Great job getting those shots, Mary! It's how nature works and I enjoy seeing it through your photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing pictures you've taken - they are truly stunning. I love reading your background information as well, thank you for sharing your wonderful experiences.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Awesome!
ReplyDeletePerfect post for WBW!
Happy World Bird Wednesday to you!
Nature can be cruel but that's life...survival of the fittest.
ReplyDeleteFantastic images.
Your bird images are wonderful - I can see they - and nature - are a passion. Thank you for sharing your corner of the world with us.
ReplyDeletewonderful post and images that show much of nature's beauty and harshness.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are to be able to monitor these two nests! Of the photographs I viewed (I'm sorry I chose not to view them all, as it saddens me to watch kills), you were really able to capture some wonderful scenes! My fingers are crossed for both of these beautiful couples. I hope they are successful in raising their young ones.
ReplyDeletePart of life and life can be messy -- and isn't always easy. -- Your photos are just amazing and I thank you for being brave enough to share them..although I imagine that the people who prefer to only look at lollipops and kittens aren't looking at bird sites anyway! Those of us who are birders ad nature lovers know at least a little about wildlife!
ReplyDeleteI'm a little embarrassed to even pretend to be a birder this week though especially to you -- I posted a picture of a red-shouldered hawk which I didn't recognize and certainly should have from reading your blog ...oh well, just because I'm a slow learner doesn't mean I can't love birds!
wow..you have an animal channel at your finger tips. i love the shots and the stories...fascinating!
ReplyDeleteIt is heartbreaking to watch these things happen,but it`s a part of nature so we have to accept it.The hawks rarely leave their kill,so I was surprised that they left that dead squirrel on my blog,but I`m assuming they retrieved it then as it was gone.
ReplyDeleteYou got some really great pictures.I must learn to create the mosaic with my photos,I`ll keep watching your nest with you,happy weekend!phyllis
Mary, you give us such rich detail and great photos--reading your post is almost as good as being there. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteExcellent documentary shots of these birds' lives. Sad about the beautiful Blue Jay, though!
ReplyDeleteAs I'm sure you know by now Mary that Red-shouldered Hawks are my favorite Buteo and you have captured these birds beautifully! The photo of the pair with wings spread is just amazing.
ReplyDeleteI shall make the comments a round 30. I have no idea, if any of you will see this comments, however, I wanted to thank each of you for your very kind comments. I am feeling so tired these days and am taking this avenue to thank each of you. Please know how very much I appreciate your time, thoughts and encouragement to me.
ReplyDeleteMary