Nesting Hawks Finale

Last weekend, we had the opportunity to enjoy what may be the last few observations of the hawks that have been nesting in the big pine tree at the Hawksbill Cabin. Earlier we identified them as Sharpshinned Hawks, a breed that has an extensive range across the Continental US, from their nesting habit in dominant conifers, and from their size and other behaviors.

Since April or so a pair was hanging out around our property and coming and going to the big tree. Eventually the nest was built and there was a clutch of eggs. Then we started to hear the nestlings, and there was a lot of parental activity as the care and feeding began. Finally last weekend, the nestlings were big enough to see on their own – and we learned there are four of them.

Unfortunately, because of their nesting site, about 70 feet up the tree, I have never been able to get a good phone cam photo of them. And now they are nearly adults, so I expect that by the time we are out this weekend, they will have left the nest. On a couple of occasions last weekend, two of the youngsters flew out of the tree into neighboring ones 30 to 50 feet away – definitely trying out their wings – and always returning to the nest at night or on arrival of one of the parents.

As we move on into the summer and the hawks depart, it’s been great having them around and learning so much about them. Here is a recap of the past posts on them:

http://hawksbillcabin.blogspot.com/2008/06/of-frogs-hawks-hummingbirds-and-deer.html
http://hawksbillcabin.blogspot.com/2008/06/then-there-were-three-nesting-hawks.html
http://hawksbillcabin.blogspot.com/2008/05/nesting-hawks.html