Red-Tailed Hawk
127 Coombs Road, Easthampton
Photograph and text by Jeff Pilger, Haydenville
The red-tailed hawk is probably the most common hawk in North America. It can often be seen in trees along highways, atop telephone poles, or soaring in circles above an area where food might be located. The red-tailed hawk has a thrilling, raspy scream that sounds exactly like a raptor should sound. At least that’s what Hollywood directors seem to think. Whenever a hawk or eagle appears on screen, no matter what species, the shrill cry on the soundtrack is almost always a red-tailed hawk.
Mammals make up the bulk of most red-tailed hawk meals. Frequent victims include voles, mice, wood rats, rabbits, snowshoe hares, jackrabbits, and ground squirrels. The hawks also eat birds, including pheasants, bobwhite, starlings and blackbirds; as well as snakes and carrion. Individual prey items can weigh anywhere from less than an ounce to more than 5 pounds.
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton is a great area to view this hawk as there are several long-term residents there.
This image was created with a super-telephoto lens and a DSLR.
Jeff Pilger is affiliated with the Robert Floyd Photo Gallery, 2 East St., Southampton. Other images are on view there Tuesdays and Sundays, 1 to 6 p.m.; Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and by appointment.