Red-shouldered Hawks

This post picks up where my last photography post left off, namely with the snow storm we had at the end of January. Since then, temperatures have risen substantially (daffodils are in bloom), and breeding season has begun for many of our backyard birds.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen Mourning Doves mating and Northern Cardinals engage in courtship feeding at my backyard feeders. The pair of Red-shouldered Hawks above are extremely vocal at present and likely establishing their breeding territory nearby. I hear them calling and see them flying overhead, as well as passing through the woods behind my home, several times a day.

An interesting fact about the hawk pair: if you look closely, you will note that the bird on the left has different plumage from the bird on the right (most obvious if you compare their tail feathers).

That’s because the bird on the left has immature plumage, while the bird on the right is an adult. I had long been under the assumption that immature plumage in raptors was a general indicator of sexual immaturity, but having done a bit of research, I learned that’s not necessarily the case. Red-shouldered Hawks have immature plumage for about one year (the individual in these photos was likely born last spring) and reach reproductive maturity between one and two years of age. Some studies have shown that young birds can nest successfully (although I am not certain of the probability of success and how that compares with two adults). That said, these two taught me something new.

I hope you enjoy this collection of photographs.