CHACONIAC's Blog

Greetings all:

A week ago I shared an extraordinary story with you, about trapping and releasing birds of prey. I just wanted to write about some of the background that didn't fit into the story.

It was incredible to be so close to these hawks, to see their glittering eyes and and meat-tearing beaks and razor-sharp talons. Most of us see them circling in the skies above, or perched on telephone poles, so this was as up close and personal as it gets.

Rob Sulski is one of several scientists and volunteers who were taking part in the project. He's a licensed raptor rehabber and also a longtime falconer. That means he keeps hawks, and practices the ancient art of flying a hawk from his fist.

His hands are scarred from his many encounters with wild hawks, and he says the talons are the business end of these birds, even though their beaks look like can openers.

Despite their formidable equipment 1/2 of all hawks die during their first year...another half die before sexual maturity. Predation is a difficult endeavour, and requires a tremendous investment of energy for the hungry hawk... too many misses and the bird gets weak...and sometimes what they're trying to eat fights back, and injures them. They are also very susceptible to West Nile virus, and scientists are studying them to see how some resist and survive.

In our area there are some redtail hawks and snowy owls that'll stick around for winter, bald eagles will stay as long they can find open water and fish. Most of the rest of the raptors are headed for warmer climes

Take a look at some of the pictures from that day, and you can also check links to see what birders are seeing around Chicago.

Click here to watch a recent story about hawks.

There's always something that makes the binoculars worthwhile.

Regards,

Lilia