OHIO-BIRDS Archives

January 2008

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From:
rob thorn <[log in to unmask]>
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rob thorn <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:00:02 -0500
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We call these deep dark days of winter the cruel season because of all the death they imply.  But for some animals they are the best of times.  It's that time of year when birds of prey become very noticeable, a point brought home to me when I passed 3 Red-tailed Hawks literally perched along the shoulder of I-270 here in Columbus.  Everywhere I've seen Red-tails, Cooper's , and Kestrels, and I've rarely ventured out beyond the suburbs.  Reports from Kildeer Plains and other wildlife areas only serve to dramatize this seasonal influx of raptors.

They're not just here out of desperation, either.  I've watched Red-tails take birds & squirrels in the past 2 weeks.  Just yesterday I saw a Sharpie catch a Song Sparrow and haul its shrieking prey into the woods.  These birds are here by design: for them, the cold part of winter gives them an edge.  The cold slows their prey, and the food scarcity makes the prey animals desperate.  A sluggish, desperate bird or mouse is much easier to catch.  These mostly seem to be adult raptors who have figured out this strategy, and it's a wonder to observe them patiently waiting or purposefully cruising, watching for their debilitated targets to make a misstep.  So the season is cruel to some, but a blessing to others.

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