Based on a quick search of the scientific literature, I found only one
mention of a Red-shouldered Hawk taking a small squirrel. I believe it was
a paper from the 40s. Many papers mention that RSHAs don't pose a risk to
squirrels, but it's often mentioned without a reference (i.e., it's just
"so"). What strikes me as odd is that RSHAs apparently consume small
rabbits regularly. No one proffered an explanation as to why there would be
such a difference between the two, or an explanation for how squirrels
would "know" that they are not favored prey of RSHAs.
Here in Gloucester, finches have piled up at our feeders, but I have yet to
be able to turn a House Finch into a Purple Finch or a Goldfinch into a Siskin.
And, finally, if you haven't seen Ned Brinkley's new field guide (which I
saw for the first time last night), do check it out. No offense to Ned, but
when I first heard of the project, I thought to myself "How many field
guides do we need?". I don't know the answer to that, but I do know we need
this one. It's awesome.
http://tinyurl.com/39ozr8
8 for 8 with 5 stars on Amazon. (well, make that 9 for 9)
Dave Hewitt
Gloucester, VA