Category: Birds
Photo Subject: Red-shouldered Hawk
Date Shot: Mon, May 26, 2008

Camera: Canon Digital Rebel XTi
Lens: n/a
Filter: N/A

Submitted: Sat, Jun 7, 2008
Viewed: 83 times
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Member Comments: On Memorial Day, I was at Otter Lake, part of the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, in Panacea Fl. I was waiting for a friend and looking for songbirds, particularly, Northern Parulas, which I often hear and see at this park, but always seem to elude my shutter finger. Today was no exception; but in the process, I stumbled across this great nature find...a nest with, not one, but THREE Red-shouldered Hawk fledglings! When I first approached, due to the sound of the hollering chicks, wanting their parents to feed them, (They really gave their location away with all of their squawking and fussing) I saw the adults briefly fly into and then leave the nest. The young'uns continued their squawking for a good while, while two of them stayed close within the nest area, the third ventured out a ways on the limb, like a little rebel with a cause. I slowly encircled the base of the tree, at a distance, obtaining a variety of shots of the three, all the while, they were watching and keeping a curious eye on the lurking creature below. My friend arrived and we both enjoyed observing the trio for about an hour, until the distinct call of the incomming Ospreys to their nests, detoured us in a different direction. It is estimated that these Hawks are approx. thirty-five days old. I have more pictures of these curious guys on my web page, if you care to look. Hope you enjoy! www.glendasimmonsphotography.com