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Sunday, March 22, 2009

Red-Shouldered Hawks--Part IV

“…those of us who have worked with these nonsocial, solitary predators always marvel at their socializing behaviors when pair bonding. All of what you described, the vocalizing, sitting close together, and especially food sharing, are so counter to normal, day to day red-tail behavior….” John A Blakeman, red-tailed hawk expert, on the distinction between mating and copulation.These words struck me as so important. Hawk pair bonding represents a dramatic change in the basic behavior of a bird that is, by nature, a solitary predator. This behavioral shift is the principle glue that enables nest building, copulation and partnered responsibility during incubation and the raising of young.

Blakeman comments further: “It’s important that observers not arbitrarily or casually ascribe human or mammalian explanations for any red-tail behaviors….It’s love all right, but very different from that of social predators…or the ultimate primate, humans. People need to understand that red-tailed hawks are altogether unique unto themselves. They are not a mirror or model of any other species. Their nobility is their own.”

And so it is with this pair of red-shouldered hawks. They behave like hawks in general and specifically, like their own species. And they have behaviors that are uniquely their own. They live in a suburban territory to which they have been loyal for fifteen years. They hunt and nest in both the front and back yards of people like you and me. People are part of their every day experience and I am fascinated with how they have adapted, how their human neighbors have adapted to them.

I was doubly fascinated on this day, when they ignored me, acting as though I were a natural part of their environment, no more threatening than a tree or a column of bricks.
And now, you may cover your eyes if you wish. I have given fair introduction to the activity you are about to witness through images. Copulation is the natural event that precedes fertile egg-laying. If I could show you egg-laying, I would, as well.

The female sat quietly on her perch after finishing her meal. But as time passed, she began to repeatedly look in the direction of the male and struck the posture you see above, with her head leaning back, her chest raised. When the moment arrived, signaled through communications too subtle for this observer, the male joined her, landing on her back.
While they rested, I remembered to breathe and continued to click the shutter. Can there be any more surprises? Well...yes.

Next: The male leaves the perch.

This is the sixth post in a series on this pair of red-shouldered hawks. To see the entire series click here. The first post will appear at the bottom.

Linked to Bird Photography Weekly #30 at Birdfreak.com to promote the conservation of our world's birds.

11 comments:

  1. Looks like spring has definitely sprung!

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  2. Great sequence of shots, looking forward to the next installment.

    Paul.

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  3. Great observations and photos. Were you there at that moment by chance or had you spent some time just watching?

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  4. Totally amazing, Vickie... I have never seen any birds "in the act" before... You are so lucky to have gotten to see this.. Amazing!!!!

    How's life for you??? We're fine and enjoying this warmer spring weather.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  5. Mick, this was my third observation visit, but only the second occasion when the pair was present. It was very by chance...a moment of fortunate position and timing. They've taught me a lot about their behavior and habits in that short amount of time.

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  6. We're really enjoying your series on the Red-shouldered Hawks.

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  7. As I have said many times Vickie, these are my favorite raptors and, once again, you have captured them perfectly! Beautiful mating shots and the series is exceptional.

    I am getting closer to finding the nesting sight of the pair near my house. I hope to be able to watch a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks nesting again this year. It is truly a wonderful thing to behold!

    It's amazing that we are able to witness all these happenings in nature, usually by being in the right place at the right time.

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  8. Thanks, Larry. I hope you get that opportunity. When do they begin nesting where you are? These hawks are incubating now.

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  9. Excellent series Vickie!

    To witness that kind of activity is breath-taking.

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  10. Beautiful pics.
    Great nature documentation here.
    Cloacal contact probably in the 3rd frame. ;)

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