Red-tailed hawk steeped in history

Native Americans lived off the land and are said to have had a spiritual relationship with red-tail hawks. Garth C. Clifford of "World Birds: Joy of Nature" writes "As per Native American shamans, the red-tailed hawk symbol with its sharp, eagle-like whistle indicates 'that you should clear your mind.' If you keep seeing a hawk with white feathers, something very sacred is about to take place, and the Creator is giving you a message that a miracle is on the way." The Cherokees used their feathers in ceremonies, dangerously catching and releasing the hawk to gather them. "The red-tailed hawk is said to be a protector spirit of the Cherokees and is therefore considered sacred. Tail feathers were and are used ceremonially. However, the bird would never be killed during collection of such. Skilled 'hunters' would bait the hawks in, catch them with their hands and then release them after collecting a few feathers," according to Cherokee Nation. One of the easiest hawks to identify is the red-tail because of its distinctive tail. It is not really red, but more of a cinnamon rusty or rufous color. Also known as the "chicken hawk," it is the second largest hawk in the United States and can reach an astonishing 120 mph in a dive. They enjoy open habitats and will build their nests in the tops of trees where they can view the landscape. It is hard not to appreciate the size, strength and beauty of red-tailed hawks. Often perched along highways on poles, wires and signs, it is fun to look for them — especially on long drives where some people count them. Last year we had a horrific experience of hitting a red-tail hawk on our way to Magee Marsh. Leaping out from the median, it flew out right in front of us, just barely catching the front of our car. We went back to check on it and, fortunately, saw it fly off. Red-tail hawks eat small mammals, such as voles, mice, rabbits and ground squirrels. But that's not all, they also eat pheasants, starlings and even snakes. They are opportunists and their flexible diet allows them to exist all over the country. In deserts, they will eat snakes; near the shore, they will eat land crabs. In some areas, they will even sit outside bat caves and wait for the bats to emerge. About a week ago, we saw a red-tail hawk on the side of the road with a rabbit under talon, while a turkey vulture stood close by, eerily waiting its turn. While you may see them in the area, they are not generally bird feeder hawks — there you will usually find cooper's hawks and sharp-shinned hawks. Red-tail hawks have that distinctive call, which sounds like a piercing scream. It is often used in movies — or should I say misused. Often the voiceover of the red-tail hawk accompanies video of a bald eagle (which actually sounds kind of wimpy), to the chagrin of birders. Some may remember the story of Pale Male and Lola, who made national news when a nest of 10 years was removed "under the cover of a truly awful rainstorm" by contractors in New York City in 2004. The red-tail hawks had reportedly raised 23 chicks to maturity and were known as the "Central Park Red-Tail Hawks." The male was named Pale Male for his light appearance. The removal of their nest sparked outrage and protest, led by celebrities like Mary Tyler Moore, who called the nest's removal "pointless and heartless." The "scorn of the nation" led the building owner to back down and the nest was rebuilt. It is said that Pale Male had eight mates during his time, in which several of his partners may have died from eating poisoned rats. The entire story has been told in several books and in a documentary. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary One of the coolest places to see red-tail hawks and other hawks, such as sharp-shinned and broad-winged hawks, is Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, Pa. The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association states their mission as "to conserve birds of prey worldwide by providing leadership in raptor conservation science and education, and by maintaining Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a model observation, research and education facility." Its history is both fascinating and dramatic. Amateur ornithologist Richard Pough took an interest in Hawk Mountain after learning about a $5 price tag placed on the goshawk's head during the depression. He decided to visit and "there he saw gunners stationed, shooting hundreds of passing hawks for sport. He returned to gather the carcasses lying on the forest floor and take photographs. Pough's photographs were eventually seen by a New York conservation activist, Rosalie Edge," according to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary website. Edge, like Pough, was "one of a growing number of conservationists opposed to the widespread movement to eradicate wildlife predators, including predatory birds." Edge came to Hawk Mountain and leased 1,400 acres where "she installed a warden on the property, a New England bird enthusiast named Maurice Broun and Maurice's wife and bird conservation partner, Irma Broun. The shooting stopped immediately and the next year Mrs. Edge opened the Sanctuary to the public as a place to see the beautiful but persecuted birds of prey." Today, the sanctuary reports, "staff, trainees and volunteers are stationed at the lookouts to help visitors spot and identify raptors, including hawks, eagles, falcons and vultures. The count runs from August 15 through December 15. For raptor enthusiasts and those who cannot make it to Hawk Mountain, daily counts are posted throughout the season." The end of October and beginning of November is the best time to see red-tail hawks. Data is collected for over a dozen raptors. For example, on Oct. 28, almost 30 red-tailed hawks were counted, with a season count to date total of 426. In abundance so far this season were 8,227 broad-winged hawks and 4,013 sharp-shinned hawks. We have not been there yet, but it is a bucket list item for not only me and my wife but many birders. Predator-Prey Relationship Hawks are stunning birds and I love seeing them. However, they are a bird that accentuates and defines the predator-prey relationship. Hawks are carnivores and for them to live, other animals must die. And of course, if they don't find animals to eat, then the hawk dies. The mortality rate of first-year red-tailed hawks is a heartbreaking 80 percent. The predator-prey relationship is a matter of enjoyment and excitement for some, while for others it is the most difficult part of experiencing nature. For example, one famous birder often tells the story about how he got into birding — he saw a hawk "tearing up" a pigeon and somehow this sparked an interest in birding. He thought that was awesome and that is not an unusual perspective. However, it is not a connection I can make, on any level. Red-tail hawks can be kept and used in falconry. While it was once used as a means of subsentence, it is now often a sport for the enjoyment of watching hawks hunt. Some falconers keep the hawk hungry, and then cheat by flushing out small animals, such as rabbits and squirrels, for the hawks to attack and kill. Hawks react to the movement as falconers force the animals into the open — putting them in life-ending peril. Listening to a description of the hunt as told by a falconer, it is difficult to understand the exuberance and excitement it brings them. To me, it doesn't seem very fair — human, dog and hawk versus a rabbit. For me, it has always been about the fear and empathy. It doesn't take much observation to watch those animals who often become prey and notice how on edge they live their lives. Squirrels, chipmunks and some birds will desperately sound alarms when hawks are in the area. A cautious life, of anxiety and trepidation, for which survival depends on being aware of danger and ready to run for your life or fly away to safety in an instant. Nonetheless, it is what nature has decided. It is the inherent value of life, our self-awareness and privilege to experience life, that makes it difficult to understand the callousness expressed upon the lives of other sentient beings. I want to live in a world that doesn't exist: a world in which all animals eat from an endless supply of sunflower seeds. Black River Audubon November Field Trip On Nov. 20, Diana Steele will lead the field trip to Oberlin Reservoirs. Meet at 42885 Parsons Road, Oberlin, by 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Rob Swindell is president of the Black River Audubon Society. Contact him at robswindell@roadrunner.com.