Red-Tailed Hawks: Building a Future

Red-Tailed Hawk Pair

Yesterday afternoon, a pair of red-tailed hawks were perched high above the ground in the stillness of an old tree. Their fierce and determined eyes survey their surroundings, ever vigilant. Yet, amidst their fierce presence, there's a tenderness in the scene unfolding—a collaborative effort to build a nest for their future family. The female bird is perched on the tip of the tree, while the male is on the right branch. Female red-tailed hawks are generally larger than males. It is a common trait in many birds of prey, where females can be up to a third larger than their male counterparts.

Resting Together

The hawks take a moment to rest on a sturdy old tree. Their majestic feathers are fully displayed. Each hawk clutches small twigs in its beak, the building blocks of its future nest. I captured this moment in a single shot right before they took flight to resume building their nest.

Crafting the Perfect Nest

The nest building is a meticulous process for red-tailed hawks. They prefer constructing their nests high in trees, ensuring a clear vantage point to watch over their territory. A nest is a large, bulky structure of sticks lined with softer materials like leaves, bark, and feathers. Each twig and branch are carefully selected and strategically placed, creating a secure and comfortable environment for their eggs.

Nurturing the Next Generation

Once the nest is complete, the female will lay between one to five eggs. The eggs get incubated for about 28 to 35 days. Both parents share the responsibility of incubation, with the female taking the larger share. During this period, the male tirelessly hunts and brings food to the nest, ensuring the female remains well-nourished.

When the eggs finally hatch, the real adventure begins. The young red-tailed hawks, known as eyases, are born with closed eyes and covered in white down. They are dependent on their parents for warmth and food. Over the next few weeks, the eyases grow, their down replaced by juvenile feathers.

Lessons from Above

The parents take on the roles of both protectors and teachers. They fiercely guard their nest, warding off any potential threats. As the eyases grow, the parents introduce them to the art of flight and hunting. These lessons are crucial for their survival, teaching them the skills they will need to thrive on their own.

Note: A Red-Tailed Hawk defending its territory from a Bald Eagle near their nesting area. The images, captured on November 6, 2024, show the eagle being swiftly chased away from the vicinity. There is a good possibility that it is one of the hawks from the image above.

Guemes Island, WA
2.20.2025

© Chris LeBoutillier