This morning one of our resident Red-shouldered Hawks flew across the backyard
and landed in a tree about 25 ft up and only about 30 feet from the feeders. At
the time there were 12 - 14 Cardinals feeding at the feeders along with
goldfinches, downies, nuthatches and titmice. Normally when a Cooper's or a
Sharp-shinned comes into the yard the birds are gone instantly. This time only
two birds flew away from the feeder. The others continued to feed very calmly.
A Mourning Dove was sitting on the top of the platform feeder and didn't even
bother to move. It was not "frozen" in place as some birds are when a hawk
appears. The hawk sat on the branch for a couple of minutes before flying to
another nearby perch. It sat there for about 15 minutes and the smaller birds
never stopped feeding. I have noticed this behavior before. Even though I have
heard of Red-shouldered Hawks killing birds, I have never seen one of these
even make an attempt at the birds in the area. The smaller passerines seem to
understand that this hawk is not a threat to them. Very interesting behavior.
Anyone have any comment to add?
Roger Mayhorn
Compton Mt
Buchanan County
