Arguello Redshoulder

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Catching a glimpse of the Red-shouldered Hawks near Arguello Gate was enough to make me pull over and see what they might be up to. While I was distracted by a young Cooper's Hawk one of the redshoulders got down to business.

Posted: August 12, 2008

Calling to its mate high up in a nearby pine, this bird was actively hunting when I arrived.

Relocating to survey another area near the edge of the trees.

I had just decided to leave when I spotted this young Cooper's Hawk stretching on a distant snag. I followed the Coop until I lost it in the trees then turned to check on the hunting redshoulder.

Something seemed strange about that streetlight that was flickering on and off near the road.

The other redshoulder still perched calmly above in the pine, the hunter settled onto the streetlight with a freshly caught gopher, as cars murmured by below.

While I've seen plenty of redtail/gopher interactions, there is always something special about being witness to a successful redshoulder hunt. The first time I ever saw it happen was in the Presidio when an adult bird dove toward me and snatched a mouse up from the ground. It then let me approach closely while it ate, then flew into the very tree I was leaning against, only to perch about 5 feet directly above my head.

Keeping an eye on distant birds...

... and also keeping an eye on me during dinner.

I always make sure the bird has gotten plenty to eat before making any movements that might unsettle it.

Head down. The bird looks like a strange extension of the pole as it concentrates on its prey.

Fur flies as the gopher is patiently prepared. Redtails aren't nearly as particular.

Finishing up the last bits as the setting sunlight fades into the encroaching fog.

With a full crop the bird gyrated a few times as though it was actually shifting the load in its crop, then took off to join its partner.

Ending on a bright note - A young Great Blue Heron that already knows how to accessorize.

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External Links

Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Guide
John W. Wall's Blog
Bill Walker's Flickr Page
Lineatus on Great Horned Owls