Not my creed, but Roy Easter whom I worked with for at least 20 years would say that as a joke.
The Red Tail Hawk would not move as it did not want to lose the squirrel in it's talons. This photo was taken between a mall parking
lot and a furniture store in Bend, Oregon last eve. I was able to get within 8 - 10 feet before it flew about 50 feet away with the squirrel
firmly held.
sfreshwaters, post: 327213, member: 88 wrote: ...The Red Tail Hawk...
It seems to me that these birds are enjoying quite a resurgence over the last 10 years or so. Before that a sighting was quite rare. Nowadays, while I wouldn't say they are common, you do see them fairly often. But never from this close range.
Down here one really enjoyable by-product of using a steel tape (that doesn't happen anymore) was having the red-tails dive down into the grass to "snatch" the leather thong on the end of the chain. Being migratory they are always down here in the winter when the grass is dead and they can see the field mice (dinner) well. I've stood there for almost an hour watching a red tail try and catch the leather thong 100' away, kinda playing "keep away" with him.
They are beautiful and noble creatures.
Yesterday morning I heard my Lab barking like crazy at the back door (windows top to bottom). As I walked up a red tail took off from about 15 feet away with a squirrel in his talons. I don't know if she was barking at the hawk or at the squirrel. They are common around here and year round residents. I have been known to strike up a "conversation" with one by whistling at him and he whistling back.
Andy
Careful, there. A nearsighted hawk might hear you whistling and think you're a squirrel.
Norman Oklahoma, post: 327219, member: 9981 wrote: It seems to me that these birds are enjoying quite a resurgence over the last 10 years or so. Before that a sighting was quite rare. Nowadays, while I wouldn't say they are common, you do see them fairly often. But never from this close range.
I agree with your conclusion as to the resurgence.
Back in the 1970's - early 1980's I used to see a lot of red tailed hawks. Then one day, I noticed there were none for a long time. Last couple years, I have started to see more.
