Chris Willis
Offline
Image Upload: Off
|
 p.1 #1 · RSH Chicks -- Bad News, Good News | |
Hey everyone, I have been off the forum for a while due to traveling and I will have some shots to post soon from Elkhorn Slough and the Palo Alto Baylands, but I wanted to give everyone an update on my two red-shouldered hawk nests, which I have posted here about from time to time.
First, the bad news. The newer of the two nests (the one with both normal-looking adults and two chicks) is now empty. Both chicks are gone and there is no sign of them anywhere. They were being checked on every day or two by a group of birders and photographers -- one day they were there, gone the next. The speculation is that they were taken by a great horned owl, which do occur in that area. A sad end to their young lives, but it is also the way of the natural world.
But there is also some really great news. My other pair of hawks, which I have been photographing since February with the female in immature plumage, actually has TWO chicks, not one! Both are geting big and starting to jump around the nest, according to reports I have gotten over the last few days. I plan to go out there this weekend to see them and try to take some more pictures, but of course I am very excited about this news!
No new pictures yet, but for now I will leave you with one in memory of the (probably) deceased chicks and one of the proud mother of two:
Chris
|
I wish the remaining ones the best of luck. . . They have their work cut out for them.