Two Stories, Two Nest Sights, Both Thriving~

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~

 

 

 

 

 

 

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~

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am also linking with World Bird Wednesday, please visit other birding photographers and enthusiasts from around the world at:

http://www.pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

What Do You Have There Mr. Hawk~

What are you doing there, what do you see Mr. Red-shouldered hawk?

He got something, I don't know what, but he did~

Hmmm, I don't see anything here, other than one handsome bird, oh and that thingy hanging down, that is just one of those long seed strand things that appear on some trees this time of year, not a food source, at least not for Mr. Hawk~

It appeared that he thought he had something, and maybe he did, but I still could not tell what it was~

 

The local newsprint, recently shared a story about a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks that had for past 3 years nested in the same tree.  It is located at an office complex, which with lots of cars parked, and people coming and going to get any chance at a photo during weekdays, was just not going to work for me.  So...two weeks ago before heading to church, I made my way into the big city to locate nest area and try to snag a few photographs.  When I arrived and had just gotten out of my car, the male of the pair flew down to the creek that runs alongside the nest tree.  They always try to place their nest near a source of water...

Just a side note to this story...I have seen hens bathing regularly when brooding a nest and she just always seems happier after drying off and preening her wild feathers.

I appreciate the owner of this building for giving me permission to have access, for my journal sharing on here of the progress for this season.  Last Sunday, no images were taken as we had rolling thunder, lightening , hail and showers, which began just about the time I had nearly arrived after the half hour drive in...not a single image taken, but there is always tomorrow.  I can drive the 16 miles to my church area, plus another 5 miles east and then still get to church on time.  Speaking of which...


Happy Easter to those who celebrate and for those who do not Happy Weekend~