What's for Dinner?

After work one evening, I headed out to the park to check on the hawk family. Henry was standing on their dining table (as I like to call it) chomping on....I don't know what! At the time, I was shooting so far away, I figured I would be able to discern the meal once the images were downloaded onto my computer. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.  I thought possibly it was a snake -- a somewhat odd shaped snake which had been chewed on by a hawk -- but, nevertheless a snake.  So, I summoned the SDP Junior Editor for consultation.  She too was equally perplexed, until she saw this next photo...

...and declared, 'That's a skink!  Look at that skinny tail and wide body. Yep, it's a skink!'  I'm a native northerner and I thought a skink was a fictitious creature. (And, the name of a delightful fictitious Florida governor created by author Carl Hiaasen, one of my favorite writers.) I figured the Junior Editor, a native Floridian, was pulling my leg.  Turns out, though, skinks do exist!  They're a cross between a lizard and a snake (creepy).  And, the photos I reviewed during my research seem to corroborate the skink theory.  The things I learn as SDP Editor-in-Chief!  If anyone has reason to believe Henry's dinner was something other than a skink, please let me know.  By the way, someone asked how I can discern Henry and Henrietta.  Henry is smaller and tends to be more skittish.  And with that, the H & H series now is on hiatus.  Thanks for all your kind comments about the series.  Stay tuned!

Bird of Prey vs. Prey

Can you believe this sight?! Check out that daring little squirrel headed in the wrong direction -- right toward a red shouldered hawk.  I'm 90% sure that's Henry squawking.  I really expected him to pounce on the squirrel and remind it about their respective roles in nature (bird of prey vs. prey). Instead, Henry screeched several times...the squirrel stood its ground...and Henry flew away.  Wow.  Gotta love the wild kingdom!  By the way, no news from the nest.  I have one or two more pics I'd like to post from Henry and Henrietta's daily activities, then the SDP staff will place this series on hiatus until the little ones are spotted.

Outta the Nest

So, why did Henrietta call her loyal mate back to the nest? This is why. She wanted to get out of the nest and enjoy some alone time.  She hopped onto this delightfully sunny perch adjacent to the nest, where she could have a good view over the household, yet feel as though she was having a bit of a getaway.   Shortly after checking in, Henry left, probably figuring the Mrs. could handle home security from her nearby vantage point.   Looking at her talons, I would concur.  

Henry's Arrival

The babies aren't here yet and already Henry has perfected arriving home without making a sound. He soared through the thick cluster of branches on this oak tree -- silently.  Once in the nest, he gave Henrietta an inquisitive look which I interpreted as, "Yes, dear. You called?"

Time with Henry

Henry spends a lot of time high up in a pine tree near the nest. Perhaps he's contemplating the looming changes to his lifestyle when the hatchlings arrive...or maybe he's just enjoying the clear cobalt blue winter sky here in Sarasota. But, as soon as he hears Henrietta call...

...he flaps his wings, and stealthily he's off to the nest to check in with the Mrs. He seems to understand the importance of keeping Mama Hawk happy.

Henrietta's Dinner

I'll think twice before using the phrase "eating like a bird", after watching Henrietta devour a rat for dinner. ((ick))  Having presented the meal, Henry flew back to the nest, allowing Henrietta to feast alone  for about 20-30 minutes.  What a sight!  At least she seems concerned about her appearance.  With rat remnants clinging to her beak, she rubbed her face repeatedly against the tree apparently trying to clean it before returning to the nest.  Absolutely fascinating to watch!  The wild kingdom is indeed wild.

Happy Couple

Unfortunately this photo is washed out because I was shooting almost directly into the sun.  (These birds  are really testing my photography skills!)  I decided to post it anyway since I'm documenting the behavior of these red shouldered hawks nesting at Urfer Family Park in Sarasota.  After observing Henrietta, perched high in her nest protecting her eggs, for quite awhile late Sunday afternoon, I started to wonder about her absent mate.  Where was he?  What was he doing?  Did he tell her he was picking up some carry out for dinner with the intention of never returning to his responsibilities?  As these thoughts swirled around my head, I heard a distinct hawk call.  It must be Henry!  Henrietta heard it too.   She snapped her head up and became so alert, it was incredible to witness.  Henry landed about 40-yards away in this dead tree and a moment later, Henrietta joined him.  (Henrietta is on the left; Henry on the right)  Henry, as it turns out, appears to be a rather good provider.  He returned with dinner.  What do nesting red shouldered hawks eat?  I'll show you tomorrow. (Nothing too graphic...but, you may not want to read about it over breakfast.)