[TN-Bird] And then there were 4 ?

From: robert loveday <rhloveday@xxxxxxxxx>
To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2004 05:28:07 -0700 (PDT)
We scoped out the red-shouldered hawk nest at Fletcher Park
Cleveland, TN yesterday evening.  Initially all we saw were some
humps & a few downy feathers protruding above the nest w/ both
adults out hunting. About 15 minutes later, the action picked
up. 2 crows first started flying in the near vicinity & making
noise. Shortly thereafter, an adult hawk brought some food.  As
it landed on the nest, the adult knocked one of the crows away
from the nest with its wing. The adult let out a distress call,
but the other adult was never seen. A portion of the nest has
been hidden from our view because of a large vertical sycamore
branch, but now the nestlings are so large it doesn?t conceal
anything. This time there were 4 nestlings clearly seen!  All
appear to be doing well & were quick to reach & fight for their
fair share of red meat (the adults beak was crimson red from
tearing into its prey & trying to keep up w/ it?s demanding
brood). 1 nestling was most dominant, & it ended up w/ the
carcasss at the end of the meal.  All nestlings are spreading
their wings frequently, & are showing a line of dark feathers on
the trailing edge of their wings. The leading edge of their
wings are darkening, but no feathers yet.  Even at this stage,
the nestlings are standing on the outer rim of the nest, &
acting like they want to fly off! (They are getting on each
others nerves in their tight quarters, & are pecking at each
other often; so that could be a good reason). Just before we
left, the adult laid in the middle of the nest, spread it?s
wings over the nestlings, & pushed down.  We are unclear whether
the adult was trying to get the nestlings to sleep before the
next meal, or if concealment was an issue (maybe even from us,
but we are 200 yards away).

This borrowed photo of 22 day old nestling best matches what we
saw:  http://www.digibird.com/rsh03dir/u030507/Dw0021.JPG

Also seen at Fletcher Park were 2 Purple martins, & a Yellow
breasted chat.

Robert & Leigh Loveday
Cleveland, TN



        
                
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[TN-Bird] And then there were 4 ?

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