Raptor Romance

This morning we joined the Beckham Bird Club for a late winter bird walk at the Falls of the Ohio. It seemed to be the time for raptor romance, which is appropriate considering that today is also Valentine's Day. We saw a pair of Red Shouldered Hawks climb and soar through the clear sky, oblivious to anything else. Oblivious, that is, until a much larger Red Tailed Hawk dive bombed them. Not sure what that was all about - territory? Jealousy? Sounds like there might be a soap opera episode in the making here. A littler farther down the levy, we saw a pair of Cooper's Hawks, also enjoying the stiff morning breeze.

The Black Vultures didn't seem to be interested in romance, just finding a good thermal. Every time we saw a large soaring bird, we examined it closely in bins and scope, hoping to see a Bald Eagle or two, but it ended up being a Vulture every time.

When I got home, I was surprised to see a For Rent sign on our big Oak tree. We removed a limb years ago, and now there is a nice big hole, just right for an 0wl to nest in. Someone finally put up a For Rent sign trying to attract an owl. I just hope it works. I've always wanted to have an Owl close by.

You can see that the hole is in move in condition. No remodeling necessary. The backyard plants are showing signs of spring too. The Verbena has nice fuzzy buds, and the Pachysandra buds are swelling. The Red Winged Blackbirds are making an appearance, so spring must be getting closer. Everyone is tired of winter, and I hope that our wishes all come true!