Nest: In crotch of large tree (or TV tower) with commanding view; bulky, of sticks and twigs, lined with inner bark strips, evergreen sprigs, green leaves; greens renewed ..(often)!
Good news --- female often returns to previous nesting territory!
Age related change in eye color from yellow to red-brown.
Mammal hunting buteos evolved males that are somewhat smaller than females. Has anyone noticed a size difference between Kay and Jay? I think it would be difficult to tell in this situation as it would not be a significant difference.
My edition of Ehrlich was published in 1988. It contains a table relating maximum recorded lifespans for a wild Red-tailed hawk being 21 and one half years.
Hunting: "young often hover when hunting, and then drop steeply down on their targets. Adult Red-tails soar as they watch for prey on the ground. But most hunting is probably done from perches with a commanding view from which the bird can scan the surrounding terrain with its telescope like vision, where it can glide rapidly to gather its prey."
"Most prey is killed by the talons of the contracting foot being driven into their bodies and hooked bill may be used to finish the job."
According to this reference diet consists of 85% + rodents; also
amphibians, crayfish, fish and offal (or is that awful?). We also know they kill and eat snakes.
What a wonderful opportunity we have been provided by KJRH to observe these birds and share insights with one another.
Thank you!