All photos © Gill Henry
Photos & photography by:
Gill Henry
digifotos@comcast.net
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Vicki Henry
catiche@comcast.net
© 01-02-03
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The Red-Shouldered Hawk is 17-24 inches large with a wing span of 37 to 44 inches. The male and female hawk look alike but the female is larger. These hawks are year round residents of florida. They have a breeding range in the great lakes areas and will winter in Mexico. They eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and crayfish. These hawks are a forest bird and the clearning of forests have led to their decline though the populations seem stable right now.
Eagles, Hawks, and Owls have three eye lids, an upper and lower and a third one, a membrane that can be brought over the entire eye, lets them look directly at the sun. Eagles and Hawks have a ring of bony plates that works like a telescope and lets them see near and far. 
How Do Raptors Hunt?
Unlike most hawks which hunt by sight, Marsh or Harrier Hawks are thought to hunt by hearing, using the curved, sound-reflecting facial ruff much like the owl uses theirs. Most hawks, except falcons, strike their prey with all four toes fully open. Falcons will bite the neck of prey. Owls, which can also be considered a raptor, also kill by biting the neck of their prey. Almost all hawks hunt in the day. The Peregrine hunts from great heights, plunging steeply downward with their wings partially closed. The Peregrine's plunge has been recorded at speeds over 150 miles per hour. The Sharp-shinned Hawk flies fast through thick woodland, maneuvering skillfully and will often pluck birds right from the tree branches. Some Hawks, like the Kestrel, Osprey and the young of Red-tailed Hawks, will hover over an area before spotting their prey and dropping steeply down. Hawks will often soar in lazy circles high in the sky as they watch for prey on the ground. Even with this variety of hunting techniques, hawks will most often hunt by sitting on a tree branch, fence pole or other location that gives them a good view of the area and where they can watch for prey before swooping down. The hawks hunting style depends often on weather. On clear warm days look for hawks in the air. On overcast windy days keep an eye on the tree line and fences.
This owl was one of a nesting pair. You can see it's mate in the photo above. Great Horned Owl are 18 to 25 inches large. Females are larger than the males. While we were there we heard the male calling his "hoo-hoo-hoo" territorial call. All the watchers and people hopeing for a photo of these birds were fairly well back, about 35 feet, out of respect for nesting birds but these birds are also known for being very protective around their nesting sites. Great Horned Owls hunt by perching on snags and poles and watching for prey, or by gliding slowly above the ground. From high perches they dive down to the ground with wings folded, before snatching prey. A Great Horned Owl may take prey 2 to 3 times heavier than itself. They also hunt by walking on the ground to capture small prey or wading into water to snatch frogs and fish. Great Horned Owls eat just about everything. At least 253 different prey animals have so far been identified.
Black Vulture