I don't want to lead anyone else astray, so will make this correction.  It
has been pointed out that  it is too early for fledglings, so my first
interpretation of what I observed this morning would seem to be incorrect.
It was suggested that some of the hawks, if not all, were migrants.

My first thought was just that as I thought it seemed too early for
fledglings, but I didn't take the time to research dates before I posted.
The way they interacted completely fooled me.  With the constant chattering
and following each other around and interacting for a prolonged period, they
looked like a tightly-knit group.

Leaves me wondering what all that interesting behavior was about.  Do they
form "social" groups as they migrate?  I wouldn't think so, just trying to
figure this out.

Sorry about jumping to conclusions earlier!

Katrina Heinzen


On Sun, Apr 3, 2011 at 1:58 PM, Katrina Heinzen
<[log in to unmask]>wrote:

>
> I love it when a common species has surprises to show me.  Five red-tailed
> hawks, a family I assume since they were not antagonistic to each other, put
> on an incredible show this morning over northeast Cleveland Heights.  Three
> young birds (good job, parents, getting 3 out of the nest!!!) and two mature
> birds were extremely vocal with each other as they flew low over our
> street's towering oaks and practiced many landings, take-offs, soaring up on
> thermals (they go so high with so few wing beats, even the young ones!)
> swoops, dives, and aerial play.  I felt so fortunate to be able to observe
> this behavior for at least 20 minutes.  I learned a lot!  By the end, we
> must have had every blue jay and crow from a 3 block radius joining up in
> gangs to take a stand against the five hawks.  What a ruckus!
>
> If anyone can answer how densely RTH's can/will live within suburbs, I'd
> love to hear what has been observed.  For example, as I ponder where the
> nest might be I think about the regular places I see red-tailed hawks around
> here and wonder whether I'm seeing the same ones in different places or
> whether multiple pairs are around.   I observe RTHs regularly at Euclid
> Creek Reservation, one mile east of here.  I also see a huge female at the
> Oxford Elementary school grounds, 1/4 mile to the west.  I know that's a
> small distance for a bird, but with so many oak trees and therefore a
> zillion squirrels, I wonder how many hawks can be fed.
>
> Katrina Heinzen
> Cleveland Heights, Cuyahoga County
>

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