Two Hawks, One Heron

It was cold and dim. The lamp-lights stayed on in the park and it was tough to get a decent photo in the light. I was late enough to have seen more, but the sun just couldn't break through and warm things up. The walk started with three Red-shouldered Hawks calling. One was within Harris Community Park. I couldn't see it, but could hear it in one of the live oaks. Another called from across the creek. The third called from a bit further up the creek. None flew and after waiting a bit, I gave up and headed downstream with hopes one would show before the end of the walk. I began to wonder if I was mis-identifying the call.

The rock doves were anxious. They usually settle in the parking lot where a neighbor of the park feeds them. But they kept swooping around. Finally I saw the reason for their distress. A Cooper's Hawk was in flight among them. I watched the hawk land in an oak and followed it for a photo.

Squirrels were everywhere. The Blue Jays were calling. A couple of Mocking Birds showed up. I rarely see them here. The Yellow-rumped Warblers were flitting around - individually and in groups. There were fewer starlings than normal, but they were hanging out around the church. I heard the grackles, but didn't see any in the park. The same for the crows. I heard them, but didn't see any today. Doves are still enjoying the pecans.

Finally I saw a Red-shouldered Hawk. It was on the rise above the creek - part-way between Yettie Polk and Confederate Parks. It began to call, but I heard no responses. Yes, that was the same call I had heard when the walk began. It's hard to mistake.

Great to see two different species of hawk, but sad to note only one GBH. We had been down to two in the past couple of weeks, but now it appears we are at one.

Posted on 17 December, 2018 17:34 by alflinn329