Behold the phantoms of the forest

"Among the most vocal of raptors, the red-shouldered hawk's cries often signal its presence long before it is seen. Its red shoulders glint in the sunlight as it takes flight." -–Kenn Kaufman Among the raptors, bald eagles and snowy owls are particularly beloved by most, followed by others like the red-tailed hawk, great gray owl and peregrine falcon. However, humbly residing in deciduous forests are the red-shouldered hawks, sometimes referred to as the "phantoms of the forests." They are commonly found in the Midwest, named for and recognized by their reddish-brown shoulders and barred wings. The presence of water bodies, such as rivers and wetlands, is a crucial component of their habitat, providing abundant prey and suitable nesting sites. Once known as the swamp hawk and wetland hawk, these birds can be best observed on hikes through Lorain County's forests, with Sandy Ridge Reservation being a prime location for capturing photographs. Red-shouldered hawks are medium-sized raptors, up to two feet tall and with a wingspan of about three and a half feet. Besides their shoulder color, their wings show a characteristic and beautiful black and white pattern on their tails when flying. Featuring exceptional eyesight and flying speed precision to hunt, they primarily eat small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and other birds. Their favorites include mice, frogs and snakes. Known as "perch hunters," they camouflage themselves high in trees, able to spot prey from up to 100 yards away. Even though they don't usually eat fish, studies are being conducted to determine if they are susceptible to mercury poisoning from polluted water. Since most red-shouldered hawks can't afford sunglasses or even find them in their size, they rely on a well-defined eyebrow (known as supra-orbital ridge) which helps shade their eyes and reduce glare from the sun while hunting perched high in the trees. It is a common feature among hawks and eagles. It also gives them that fierce look that makes them appear like real tough guys. They are year-round residents through the Midwest and medium-distance migrants, though some may migrate to Mexico. They are also found on the far west coast. They have geographical subspecies, such as the northern form being the largest and the southern Florida birds exhibiting a pale color pattern. In the east, they live in bottomland hardwood stands, flooded deciduous swamps, and upland deciduous-conifer forests, while in the west they prefer riparian and oak woodlands. These hawks are also known for their distinctive calls, which are often heard during the breeding season as the birds establish and defend their territories. David Allen Sibley, "The red-shouldered hawk's call is one of the defining sounds of the eastern woodlands, a high-pitched series of 'kee-ah' notes that echo through the forest." Breeding season for red-shouldered hawks typically begins in late winter to early spring. Males will perform a "sky dance" in which a soaring male engages in a series of steep dives. They build large nests high in the trees, often reusing the same nest year after year. One pair of hawks reportedly occupied the same area in California for 16 years. Both males and females contribute to nest building, using sticks, leaves, and other materials. They lay 2-4 eggs which incubate for about a month and fledge at about six weeks. Red-shouldered hawks are highly territorial and will fiercely defend their nesting area against other birds of prey. They have been adapting to suburban areas and human-altered landscapes and now can occasionally be seen outside of their typical habitat. We have seen them frequently in the historic part of Elyria. There have even been reports of red-shouldered hawks hanging upside down and eating from suet feeders. I think if I saw a red-shouldered hawk at my suet feeder, I would trip and fall while racing through the house to get my camera. But don't be fooled, their call is often imitated by blue jays. Recent studies in Ohio and Wisconsin aim to learn more about these raptors. Research includes nesting habitats and migration patterns, reproductive rates, dispersal and survival rates, and the causes of mortality. These studies use telemetry, in the form of attaching small solar-powered transmitters to monitor their movements. The red-shouldered hawk is doing well and noted as least concern—though still faces normal human threats such as habitat destruction and environmental pollution. As they move into urban areas, they are susceptible to being hit by cars and poisoning by rodenticides. Without many natural predators once reaching adulthood, they can live a long time—more than 25 years. The red-shouldered hawk is an intriguing and vital part of the Midwest's ecosystem. Its presence contributes to the biodiversity and balance of these areas. Conservation efforts to protect their habitats, including forested areas and wetlands, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate them. As Pete Dunner wrote, "The red-shouldered hawk is a bird that embodies the essence of the American woodland, its call a herald of spring and its presence a testament to the health of our forest ecosystems." Black River Audubon Updates Motus Tower #2 at Lorain Public Library -- We are proud to announce that the Motus Tower at the Lorain Public Library was installed on June 30 and is now operational. This tower helps close the coverage gap in Lorain County along the lake. Special thanks to installer Chris Regan and the Lorain Public Library staff for their hard work. July Field Trip -- Join us for our next field trip on July 20, 2024, at 9 AM at Miller Nature Preserve (meet in the parking lot). The address is 2739 Center Rd, Avon, OH 44011. The trip will be led by Chad Wilson. Rare Bird Sighting -- On July 6, a roseate tern was seen in Huron to the delight of birders who immediately made their way out to see it. It is reportedly the first time it has been seen in Ohio. When it is found in the United States, it is usually off the east coast—where it resides on sandy barrier islands, rocky islands, and off-coast salt marshes.