While working on our Littleton farm this morning, I observed four red-tailed hawks soaring in the clear blue sky. One was significantly larger than the other three and I suspect it was the female, leading her spouse and offspring across the South Platte Valley.
Red-tailed hawks are thought to be monogamous and their mating flights are often observed in late winter; nest building soon follows and 1-5 eggs are generally produced by early spring. Both parents incubate and care for the young and the latter stay with them through the summer, setting out on their own by autumn.
Though red-tails may hunt while soaring, they more often stalk prey from a perch above open grasslands or weedy fields; mice, voles, cottontails, snakes and game birds are their most common prey. This morning's flight appeared to be more of a family affair, enjoying the relatively cool air and bonding before autumn ends their brief relationship.
Red-tailed hawks are thought to be monogamous and their mating flights are often observed in late winter; nest building soon follows and 1-5 eggs are generally produced by early spring. Both parents incubate and care for the young and the latter stay with them through the summer, setting out on their own by autumn.
Though red-tails may hunt while soaring, they more often stalk prey from a perch above open grasslands or weedy fields; mice, voles, cottontails, snakes and game birds are their most common prey. This morning's flight appeared to be more of a family affair, enjoying the relatively cool air and bonding before autumn ends their brief relationship.
