The hawk I see most often around BSM is the Red-shouldered Hawk. The back, wings, and tail are black with white streaks, while the breast is rust colored. It gets its name from the rust-colored shoulders shown in this photo of an Eastern subspecies taken in Indiana.
The Florida subspecies is lighter colored than those in other regions, with a pale gray head. This hawk showed us its subdued colors while perched on a palm frond in BSM. It moved to different perches and sounded alarm calls.
Then we spotted a nest with a hawk sitting low, indicating it was on eggs. Looking between twigs, you can see the eyes and an open beak. It was calling loudly, also sounding the alarm.
Putting it all together, the female was on the nest with eggs and sounding the alarm for danger. The male was trying to distract the perceived threat (us) and preparing to defend its mate and future family. We backed away to let them return to their normal duties so this would be a successful nesting season for them.
Happy birding!
PEACE RIVER AUDUBON ACTIVITIES:
Other than Saturday walks, this is the last event until the fall season.
• Thursday, May 21, 6:30 p.m. refreshments, 7 p.m. program, JoEllen Wilson presents “Juvenile Tarpon Habitat”, and officer elections, at the Regional Realtors Education Center, 3320 Loveland Blvd, Port Charlotte.
• On most Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Rob Mills leads a nature walk at Audubon Pennington Park, 1153 Alton Rd, Port Charlotte.
You do not have to be a member of PRAS to join us. Participation is free, and registration is not needed. Visit the website at http://www.peaceriveraudubonsociety.org for all the details, or you can contact fellow BSM resident Rick Read, at 574-870-2695 for information or car-pooling.
