Red Tail Hawk

Every day, on my way home from work I pass this wonderful dead tree that sits at the edge of an open field.  I think it's beautiful even though it doesn't have any leaves.   

The Red Tail hawks pretty much love it too. because they sit in this tree on a regular basis to look for prey.   Here is a photo of a hawk sitting in the tree that I took last year.  I see this hawk pretty frequently; and you can see that he's looking right at me.


I took these photos last week on my way home from work.  There she/he was, sitting in the usual spot, overlooking his domain.  

I'm fascinated by hawks.  I try to read everything I can about them.  We have several different types that live here, and they're all beautiful.  

Here are two photos of what I believe is a young Cooper's Hawk.  Isn't he gorgeous!


After doing some reading, this is what I learned:  All raptors are classified as Falcaniforme, which includes eagles and hawks.  These are subdivided in the United States into four groups:   buteo, accipiter, kites, and harriers.   Red-tail Hawks are "broad-winged or soaring hawks," classified as Buteo jamaicensis.  They have large wings and relatively short tails used for soaring while searching for prey.  Most buteo species live in open area habitats like grasslands and prairies and mainly eat rodents and other small mammals.


Accipiter species include the Cooper's and Sharp-shinned hawks and are considered forest-dwelling hawks.  They have short, rounded wings and long rudder-like tails.  Their flight pattern consists of several rapid wing beats, short, gliding flight, followed by more rapid wing beats.  Their body shapes and flight pattern make them agile hunters of birds.  The number of accipiters had a serious decline in the 80s with the use of DDT and are now starting to stabilize.


All raptors are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.   Eagles, ospreys, hawks, falcons, kites, owls, vultures and all other native North American birds of prey are strictly protected, to include a prohibition against the taking or possession of their parts such as feathers or talons. The only exceptions generally allowed for individuals to these prohibitions require permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Educational and scientific institutions are exempted from most permit requirements.

Penalties for violations of the MBTA can go up to $15,000 and 6 months imprisonment for common violations. The sale or barter of migratory birds is a felony with penalties up to $500,000 and 2 years imprisonment. Some raptors, such as the bald eagle, are also protected under the Endangered Species Act, and both the bald and golden eagles are also protected under the Eagle Act.