Hello everyone,
For weeks I'd planned this post as a question. But after today's observations,
it has turned into a report.
I've been watching a pair of Red-Tailed Hawks on a nest in Chantilly (Fairfax
County) for almost 2 months now. At first, one adult was constantly atop it
hunkered down low, and occasionally a second bird was standing next to it.
Then for the past 3 weeks or so, timed with the warmer weather, I've mostly
seen them either perched on the nest (standing, not nestled down on top of it);
or else perched on a nearby snag 20-30 feet away from the nest.
I was concerned that they were no longer hunkering down low on it, and
frequently out of the nest entirely, even though the weather was warmer. From
my viewing angle, I can be sure whether the adult is on the nest or not, but I
can't see down into it.
When the adult is perched on the snag, it is mobbed by jays and grackles every
time I look. I only check a few times a day but the mobsters are always there
when I do.
I've been wondering if there ever were any eggs, and if so, have they hatched.
Well this afternoon I finally got an answer. There was at least one white,
fluffy juvenile standing up and wobbling a bit. The adult was not in sight,
but it had been nearby (and on the nest once) at 3 other times today.
So my previous question is answered. Nesting Red-Tails (at least, this pair)
don't stay on the nest all the time. As the weather got warmer, this pair
spent a lot of time (both birds) at least 20-30 feet away from it.
Since the weather turned warm (2-3 weeks ago?) I have not seen both adults at
the same time. I can't be sure there still are two.
Steve Johnson
Fairfax, Virginia
