The Red Tailed Hawk Family

[Shack]

As I stated in the Owl thread we have had a family of owls set up in the wooded area of our property. I have yet to see the male or female face on or in plain view yet but got a little glimpse of the mother this evening:

Still trying to figure out which species this is. Any ideas?

[eyeguy 54]

nice find

[Sturg]

It looks more like a hawk's head than an owl.

[ShawnZ]

Definitely a hawk. The only dark eyed owl that would be found in Minnesota is the Barred Owl, and this is definitely not that. Based on your location and what I can make out of the plumage, I would guess Red Tailed Hawk.

[Shack]

Yes. I finally got a better view and it is obvious it is a Red Tailed Hawk. My wife and son were wrong but to their defense we do have a few owls around the area because they can be an annoyance at night when the windows are open and you are trying to sleep.

Anyways it is a Red Tailed Hawks nest as I found a week or so when I was able to get a full glimpse of the what species it really was.

Here are some as it sits on the nest as it does for days on end since it was cold and damp:

The nest is a ways up

and I believe it's time to invest in a new pir of binoculars or better yet a new spotting scope. My wife and son swore up and down it was an owl even after I had seen it was a hawk. I had to show them the images above to get them to be convinced it was not owl. Then my son said the hawk must have taken over the nest.

It's a Red Tailed hawk's nest.

[eyeguy 54]

nice find!

[EBass]

Quote:

Then my son said the hawk must have taken over the nest.

LOL - the small bird and small rodent population will be under control in your hood.

[finnbay]

+1

[Shack]

Still watching these hawks every day to see when the the little ones hatch and I think we might be getting close. Momma and Poppa are becoming more and more active and maybe this is due to the sunnier and warmer days?

Also starting to put together video on their actions and should be able to put together some time line footage when things come and go. Might even set up at a better vantage point soon.