For years a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks has nested in our area here on Compton
Mt. It is probably not the same pair over a period of years, but there is
always a pair in the area. I have in the past half heartedly tried to find
their nest, but didn't have any luck. This year they are nesting a few hundred
feet from our house about 30 feet up in a large Beech Tree. The young have now
hatched. This morning I sneaked into the area while the parents were out
hunting and took this picture. There are two chicks. They are already making
the calls of an adult Red-shouldered. Even though they are down covered one
young one is already exercising its wings. The brown at the edge of the wing is
wing feathers starting to come protrude. The other chick is just to the right
of this one behind the tree.
http://www.pbase.com/mayhorn/image/124512294
Note also the fresh green hemlock boughs in the nest, which is typical of
Red-shouldereds.
Roger Mayhorn
Compton Mt
