Urban Hawk

Many are absolutely surprised upon seeing a bird of prey streak through their very urban back yard.  Landing in the neighbor’s tree was this Red Tailed Hawk (note the belly band) while we visited Pittsford Village in upstate New York.

 

Enjoyment is the word more than surprise for me at these kinds of events.  It’s all because of the heat island effect.  Cities generate heat making the climate more attractive to wild creatures such as chipmunks, squirrels, groundhogs and songbirds.  In turn here come the predators to this concentration of food.  (There were many chipmunks to be had—everywhere.)

So, here is my challenge.  Start a list of all the birds and animals you see around your house.  I’m willing to bet there is an abundance that may have gone unnoticed by you.  I’m thinking you’ll be surprised and delighted and even become quite knowledgeable.

 

Park Greeter at McKinney Falls

Red Tail Hawk
Photograph by Roy Smallwood

 

Following up on last week’s post, we were greeted by this individual just prior to the entrance to McKinney Falls State Park.  The park is just southeast of Austin.  It is a marvel that something as great as this park lies so close to a major city, but it does.

 Our Red Tail greeter has found a wonderful spot to hunt.  There were sufficient high perches as well as a fence line from which to draw his vantage points.  The field looked as if it would provide some tasty meals.

Lower McKinney Falls
Photograph by P Smallwood

Once inside the park we headed to the visitors center where we learned about Thomas McKinney and his family’s life on this ranch in the late 19^th century.  The original homestead is partly restored.  We could not get to it this day for the falls were flowing with the water from very badly needed recent rains.  Another day, perhaps.  No matter, we hiked and found other birds and flora.

Afternoon Raptors at Lake Waco Dam

Photo by Bryan Stone

A little after noon yesterday we headed to the Hike and Bike Trail at Lake Waco. We thought a little picnic and walk would be nice on such a sunny day. The lake is up quite a bit. From the dam we can see that half the pavilions at Airport Park are under water. All gates were open. The roar of the water released was evident from the parking area. The wind was up, too much for small songbirds to be out. However, the raptors were prevalent. Two Ospreys were hunting the area, one below the gates and one above the dam. Other birds spotted include three Turkey Vultures, half a dozen American Crows. Additionally, a Northern Harrier was sighted near the tree line in the field below the dam. One hawk gave us a little trouble identifying it. However, I can confidently say that it was a Fuertes’ Red Tail. It flew just over the dam where the gates are and headed toward the Airport end of the trail, proving us with a long and very good look.