Nesting hawks April 19

[Leslie Kinrys]

We live in a condo in the Bathurst/Finch area. We are on the 18th floor. I can see the chimney of Branson Hospital. It has a platform near the top. Today, I saw one of the local Red-tailed Hawks, carrying prey, fly onto it. I checked with my bins and saw a nest. I put my scope on it and could see a bird on the nest. I plan to watch and see how successful the parents are. I am not sure it is the best spot, because it is so exposed and there is not room for branching out.

[Leslie Kinrys]

Today, April 27, there were two Red-tailed Hawks flying by our condo. Also, I saw one hawk leave the nest. It looked like the resident pair were chasing off an intruder. I have been seeing the pair on the platform together. Sometimes the male sits on the railing and looks around. Other times, I see one bird leave and the other sits on the nest. Often, it looks like one of the hawks is turning the eggs. I figure the eggs should hatch mid-May.

[Leslie Kinrys]

This morning, May 1, the male Red-tail has been busy. He visited with the female, perching on the platform's railing. Later, he was stirring up the pigeons on the neighbouring buildings. Finally, he escorted one of the local Turkey Vultures out of the area.

[Leslie Kinrys]

Last Friday afternoon, the male brought a black squirrel to the nest and dropped it there. The female stood up next to him. She lifted the squirrel by its neck. It looked dead to me, but she proceeded to squeeze it with her feet. I know that is the way they kill prey. Interesting to watch their behaviours.

[Ally]

Last Friday afternoon, the male brought a black squirrel to the nest and dropped it there. The female stood up next to him. She lifted the squirrel by its neck. It looked dead to me, but she proceeded to squeeze it with her feet. I know that is the way they kill prey. Interesting to watch their behaviours.

wow, really want to watch

[Leslie Kinrys]

Today (May 11) is day 23 of my watching the nest. The male brought the female another black squirrel. She accepted it, then sat back on the nest. Incubation is 28 to 35 days. I'm checking every day for little heads.

[Leslie Kinrys]

Today is day 33 of my nest watch and still no nestlings. I have seen the pair trading brooding duty. In fact, one is so impatient to get on the nest,  it shoves its mate off the nest. I watch these exchanges, but don't see  any little heads pop up. Also, the male has not  been bringing any food items to his mate.  My husband said we should try inducing labour.  Earlier today, the pair left the nest to chase away another Red-tailed Hawk.

[Leslie Kinrys]

Well, it is May 31 (Day 41) and still no hatchlings. But, the birds are still brooding their eggs. One will be on the nest and I'll often see the other one sitting on the railing. I have been told that if the first eggs fail, the birds will lay a second clutch. I am hoping that is what happened. I will keep everyone posted, whether there are young or if the parents abandon the nest.

[Leslie Kinrys]

Presumed nesting failure, June 19. Day 61, since I first observed the nest. The pair have been very erratic around the nest site. They leave the nest alone for long periods of time, but don't return with any food. They sit on the platform or the railings, but far from the nest. Other times, I will see a bird sitting on the nest. I have seen a bird standing in the nest, but there are no little heads popping up. All I can think is that both clutches failed. Sigh! I'll keep you posted, if they end up surprising me.

[Dinusaur]

Any further update after the nest failure? I presume that they stopped trying.

[Leslie Kinrys]

July 30-The nest definitely failed. I see the adult birds flying around our area or sitting on the railing. There are no youngsters with them. In another month, hawk migration will start. Then, I'll be keeping an eye on the sky.