Got a pair of red-tails nesting outside our bedroom window.
First baby pic
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/babiesfirstpicture.jpg)
Mama and three younguns in the nest
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/HawksFamily6-29-09.jpg)
Here's two of 'em yesterday
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/babies6-30-09.jpg)
Breakfast
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/Breakfast6-29-09.jpg)
Mama on the lookout
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/onthelookout.jpg)
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/backoff.jpg)
Oh, that's just too make the beast with two backsin' cool! Where in the country are you?
Wonder if they're related to the family that have territory at my parents house in Charlotte.
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2635884101_ba075d072c.jpg?v=0)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/2636716194_852470e87c.jpg?v=0)
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=6275.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=6275.0)
Awesome pics man.
Quote from: swampduc on June 30, 2009, 10:37:50 AM
Oh, that's just too make the beast with two backsin' cool! Where in the country are you?
Tropical Montana (Bozeman)
added: Side benefit is that I get out of mowing a part of the lawn - don't wanna disturb the little family....or get my eyes plucked out.
Nice pics. Keep us posted.
Quote from: Johnny OrganDonor on June 30, 2009, 10:43:06 AM
Tropical Montana (Bozeman)
added: Side benefit is that I get out of mowing a part of the lawn - don't wanna disturb the little family....or get my eyes plucked out.
Won't have to worry about snakes or mice for a while, either.
Those are some of the best bird pictures I've ever seen. [clap] [clap] Thanks for posting them. We have a neighborhood raptor nest and the tenants seem to rotate every year or so between redtails and great horned owls. We put up a webcam in the tree and got some pictures that I'll try and post later on. But both years we put up the cam, the owls moved in. Interesting how active mom owl is during the daytime. She only had two babies but was very attentive to them, almost like a mother dog or cat. So much for stereotypes.
That is awsome. This guy has a home in our backyard and I saw him out during the day last year. Every time he turned his head I took a few steps closer, I got about 8 feet from him then he started to lift his wings so I backed off. I really need a camera with a better zoom.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/3675466755_52542e7f2d.jpg?v=0)
Quote from: swampduc on June 30, 2009, 11:15:08 AM
Won't have to worry about snakes or mice for a while, either.
No gophers around either and the magpies are leaving too. The hawks have been nesting here for a few years. Last year, one of the adult hawks snatched up a fledgling magpie in front of us. We watched the little magpie leave the nest and hop around on the ground for less that a minute before it was a meal. The adult magpies took off after the hawk and another magpie joined the chase but they eventually lost. Not as lucky as JB's bunnies.
Quote from: Langanobob on June 30, 2009, 11:19:35 AM
............Interesting how active mom owl is during the daytime. She only had two babies but was very attentive to them, almost like a mother dog or cat. So much for stereotypes.
In the first picture you can see how ruffled and beat up the mother had gotten. We think the eggs were laid around Easter and maybe hatched around Memorial Day. We had a tough spring - some late snowstorms, high winds, and hail. We'd look out during the harsh weather and there she'd be hunkering down on the nest sometimes with wings spread to protect the nest.
Here's a shot (sorry for the poor quality) of both parents shortly after the eggs hatched. You see how beat up the one sitting the nest had gotten by comparison. I assume it's the mother but I read somewhere that the father may also sit the nest and that the mother is a better hunter.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/DSCN0232.jpg)
Quote from: Johnny OrganDonor on June 30, 2009, 10:16:43 AM
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/backoff.jpg)
Looks like mama yelling at the paparazzi [laugh]
The female will be noticeable larger than the male.
Quote from: kopfjager on June 30, 2009, 03:41:42 PM
The female will be noticeable larger than the male.
Don't let HER hear you say such things.
truly awesome pictures. thank you.
Here's a picture of a great horned owl sitting on eggs. We put the camera up the tree before the owls moved in and they got used to it after a short time.
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z312/Langanobob/Mama.jpg)
Here is a baby from the same nest, but taken two years ago via telephoto lens.
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z312/Langanobob/BabyLR.jpg (http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z312/Langanobob/BabyLR.jpg)
In the upper right you can see the first webcam setup. We built a 60' tower from EMT conduit to hold the camera. This was two years ago and this year we climbed the tree in late fall and put the camera in the tree above the nest.
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z312/Langanobob/CameraLR.jpg (http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z312/Langanobob/CameraLR.jpg)
Cool shot in the owl's nest. I'd like to set up something like that this fall (after the hawks are gone) but they're pretty wary and I wouldn't want to alter things around the nest that would drive them away. The camera set-up would have to survive a Montana winter too.
I encountered three baby owls at a decommisioned radar base where we were working a few years ago. Cute little critters. As we were watching them, one of the parents swooped right past our heads. We had no clue it was bearing down on us til it went by. It was absolutely silent but we sure felt the air rush as it passed.
This thread brings a smile to my face. Thanks, guys!
Cool pics JOD!
Awesome Pics, Thanks [thumbsup]
QuoteI'd like to set up something like that this fall (after the hawks are gone) but they're pretty wary and I wouldn't want to alter things around the nest that would drive them away. The camera set-up would have to survive a Montana winter too.
Yes, the redtails seem to be very wary. The two years that we had a camera up, owls took over the nest. Took the camera down and the hawks came back. Maybe a coincidence I don't know but I think you're right about not wanting to alter the surroundings. I've also heard that the owls are very fierce and if they stake a claim on a nest the redtails may not be able to drive them off. Earlier this year the hawks were carrying sticks and repairing the nest, but the owls ended up with it.
The camera we used is a Hitachi IKWB-15 security camera and it's outdoor rated. I wrapped it in camo Goretex fabric with only the lens exposed and it's held up well to blizzards and wind - but probably not Montana type blizzards. I had a hard time finding info on the best camera to use and ended up with the Hitachi and it's been fine.
Beautiful pix -- thanks for sharing!!! [clap]
Here're some more piictures. It's fun to wake up every mornnig and see something new happening in the nest. Just over the last few days, the babies have been quite active - stretching their wings, screaching, hopping out onto adjacent limbs, and tearing away at the nest. Their plumage and overall appearance is getting pretty adult-like. The adults just come by to drop off food now and then. Right now, their whole world is the nest but it won't be long before they're soaring overhead.
Here's a shot of the triplets
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/triplets7-1-09.jpg)
The nest is getting pretty crowded for wing flapping
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/gettingcrowded7-1-09.jpg)
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/stretchingwings7-1-09.jpg)
Gotta feel good to stretch and check out that new plumage
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/stretchingwingsandlegs7-1-09.jpg)
Vandalizing the nest - not sure if it's out of boredom or to make room
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/vandalingnest.jpg)
Screaching for mom to bring in food - "I WANT BAAAAACON"
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/babyscreach7-1-09.jpg)
How far away are you taking these shots?
Those pictures make my day. Doesn't National Geographic or other organizations/magazines sponsor photography contests? If I'd taken those pictures I'd enter 'em.
Thanks again for posting them.
These photos are stunning!
Quote from: kopfjager on July 02, 2009, 12:19:34 PM
How far away are you taking these shots?
The nest is probably 60-70 feet from our bedroom window. These shots are simply taken by opening the windows in the bedroom or den and snapping away. The adults are pretty skittish so we gotta be careful not to spook 'em - we want 'em to keep coming back. We don't go over into that part of the yard (or mow ;D) - we're on five acres so they have about a whole acre to themselves.
The adults will get used to your movements around the yard, but will be skidish with the little ones still in the nest. You could throw them some fresh meat and see if they go for it. Of course they would love a live mouse or two. [thumbsup]
Quote from: kopfjager on July 02, 2009, 06:08:18 PM
The adults will get used to your movements around the yard, but will be skidish with the little ones still in the nest. You could throw them some fresh meat and see if they go for it. Of course they would love a live mouse or two. [thumbsup]
For some reason, they're way more protective this year that previous years. They'll screach if they even spot us through a closed window (which seems pretty easy for them.) We try to tread lightly. I sure don't want to see them get jittery - they've had it pretty tough this year.
These hawks are pretty special to us. I wrecked real bad in the fall of '07. I crunched my Ducati and my pelvis (among other things.) I was laid up through the spring of '08 but at least I was in a perfect place with nothing to do but watch the hawks as they rebuilt the nest and raised two little ones. I was able to get around on my own again about hte same time they left the nest last year. It was amazing and uplifting to watch all four of them soaring together through the summer.
very cool thread all around [thumbsup]
mitt
I don't mean to be a post whore but the nest is pretty active. I was out of town for one day and the little one have restless moving out of the nest more.
This one would go out pretty far on a limb, rest a bit, preen a bit, then it would flap back to the nest - probably going through pre-flight testing
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/outofnest7-2-09.jpg)
Here it is landing back at the nest
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/firstlanding.jpg)
In the first shot above, you can see a grisly small-animal carcass on the edge of the nest - here's a close up crop of it with a hawk peeking over
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/food7-2-092.jpg)
Here is the more active young hawk tearing at the meat
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/supper7-2-09.jpg)
Absolutely great pics. Thanks for continuing to post them!
simply beautiful. Thanks for the photos. Keep' em comin.
i really hope you get to see the twins take their first flight
great pics, thanks for sharing them with us :)
The babies from our neighborhood redtail nest are very slow at becoming skilled hunters and I think Mom and Dad feed them for a long time. There are plenty of ground squirrel colonies and when a young redtail goes after one it invariably misses and continues the pursuit on the ground. The squirrels catch on real quick that the babies are klutzy and instead of fleeing for their lives, they dodge around and start a game of "Hey, here I am over here!" Fascinating that these lowly ground squirrels have such a highly developed sense of sport and are literally willing to risk their lives for it.
I didn't see it myself but my neighbor saw a squirrel dart right between a baby hawk's legs and then stop and turn around to taunt him.
Wow! Great photos! Keep on postin'! [thumbsup]
Mmmmmmm .... squirrel ..... [bacon]
Happy 4th. The young hawks were all out of the nest this morning and moving all over the tree.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/outofnest.jpg)
Quote from: Johnny OrganDonor on July 04, 2009, 07:06:10 AM
Happy 4th. The young hawks were all out of the nest this morning and moving all over the tree.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/outofnest.jpg)
They are looking for a better seat for the parade, and fireworks. ;D
They hop and flap to different limbs and are starting to eyeball nearby trees. We're thinking they may make the jump soon.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/hawkeyes.jpg)
Lotsa preening this morning (and attempted larceny)
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/gimmethat.jpg)
Check out that talon
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/DSC_0037.jpg)
Front and back shot
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/frontandback.jpg)
Lotsa flapping too - it was actually lifting off a bit but I couldn't catch a mid-air shot
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/flap1.jpg)
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/flap2.jpg)
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/flap3.jpg)
Later
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/goodmorning.jpg)
Won't be long. ;)
Quote from: kopfjager on July 04, 2009, 07:32:43 AM
Won't be long. ;)
Yeah, we're gonna be empty nesters :'(
Can't wait to see em fly though and don't want to miss their first flight. Glad I'll be around for a few days.
I never realized how long their legs are. :o
Look out rodents. [evil]
Quote from: trouble on July 04, 2009, 07:41:23 AM
I never realized how long their legs are. :o
Look out rodents. [evil]
That body will grow into those stems in a hurry. ;D
Send them on over to Da Bronks. I have an Austrian Black Pine or a Magnolia for them and a lot of squirrels.
Beautiful pics Johnny. Growing up in Boy Scouts we had an active member that managed the local Raptor Center so he would freqently bring a random Redtail or the Center's beloved one winged Bald Eagle to Eagle ceremonies or large gatherings. We have tons of raptors (of all kinds) here in central midwest and it's always so entertaining to see them floating around or on a fence post off the highway, but seeing them so close (and in your case, in the wild) is another experience all together. Oh, and maybe I'm wrong here, but do your pics make them look a bit smaller than they really are? I had one park outside my dorm in college for a day or two and on the ground she stood about 14 inches tall. I'm pretty sure it was a Redtail Hawk anyway. I can't get over the plumage on those chicks. Stunning.
Quote from: Jarvicious on July 04, 2009, 01:20:45 PM
.............. Oh, and maybe I'm wrong here, but do your pics make them look a bit smaller than they really are? I had one park outside my dorm in college for a day or two and on the ground she stood about 14 inches tall............
The babies are still a bit smaller than the adults. I think you're about right on the adult size.
Here are a few more shots from this morning. I switched to a mirror lens for more focal length and a different depth of field blur
flaps up......check
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/flapsup7-5-09.jpg)
flaps down......check
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/flapping7-5-09.jpg)
Mama brought in a fresh kill - maybe you can see a size difference. I didn't realize that she was still tearing the meat and feeding the young ones - they're doing a pretty good job of tearing thier own meat.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/feeding17-5-09.jpg)
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/feeding27-5-09.jpg)
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/feeding37-5-09.jpg)
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/feeding47-5-09.jpg)
All I can say is "Wow!" Thanks again for taking the time to post these pictures.
Just one more, if no one minds. Both parents showed up just after sunset. They did a little feeding and then flew from tree to tree as the little ones flapped and screeched - maybe they were giving flying demonstrations. Then both of them hung out together on top of the same tree for a while. Sorry for the poor quality, it was pretty dark so I had do do some enhancements to bring out the detail.
mom and pop
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/parents7-5-09.jpg)
these are some very interesting pictures [thumbsup]
i especially like "flaps up" :)
they are definitely getting ready to leave the nest...
thanks for continuing to post the shots - they are just gorgeous.
Mama hawk fed the young ones just at sunrise and flew to a nearby tree and perched for about an hour or so.
A good opportunity for mom to preen and pamper herself
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/mompreening.jpg)
She had a visitor too
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/visitor.jpg)
Had to yell at the kids a few times
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/motherhawkscreeching.jpg)
Heading back to work
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/momliftingoff.jpg)
Quote from: Johnny OrganDonor on July 06, 2009, 12:53:38 PM
She had a visitor too
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/visitor.jpg)
She's thinking. "I'll bet that would taste good, if I was only quick enough". ;D
Two of the young hawks took to the air yesterday. I was at work but my wife got to see the first one take off. By the time I got home, it was sitting at the top of a tree in our front yard meeting the neighbors.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/welcomingcommittee.jpg)
I grabbed my camera and as I waited to get shot of the next one to fly, it took a shot of it's own (I'm just posting this if anyone was wondering how they.....)
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/heypaparazi.jpg)
After a few false starts, it finally made the short flight to a nearby tree - this is the take off for it's first flight.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/firstflight.jpg)
Had some smaller birds of prey and babies in my parents yard on the 5th:
Tree Swallows
Mom and Dad (brilliant blue backs)
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3705841720_934f387e6f_o.jpg)
One baby (they just jumped/fell out of next):
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3705841722_74b16be141_o.jpg)
2 more babies:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/3705841728_5949420dd8_o.jpg)
Stretching his wings:
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3705841734_550335ed5a_o.jpg)
The parents and another set of adults were feeding the 5 of them with bugs constantly. By the end of the day, they were flying around pretty well - amazing.
mitt
Quote from: Johnny OrganDonor on July 09, 2009, 03:56:14 PM
I grabbed my camera and as I waited to get shot of the next one to fly, it took a shot of it's own (I'm just posting this if anyone was wondering how they.....)
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/heypaparazi.jpg)
In Falconry thats called a "slice". ;)
Slice The throwing of a mute as what Accipiters, hawks, and eagles do. Falcons mute straight down while the other raptors fling their fecal matter out with a bit of velocity.
I can do the same thing after a good night of drinking Guinness! [drink]
^^^^^I was gonna say the same thing, only substituting whiskey.