OK - here's this week's update.

The American Kestrel box that I put up earlier this year yielded 5 eggs, 4 of which hatched. Here's a pic of what the box now looks like from the outside. It's mounted about 25' up in a tree.



The fledglings appear to be doing fine, but the inside of the box is turning into a real mess! When it's time for these birds to go, watch out, because they raise their tail and squirt like you wouldn't believe! The inside walls are quickly becoming coated from top to bottom with the stuff.



The floor of the box is covered with about 3" of wood shavings - they are now becoming quickly mixed with castings (hair, etc.) from the meals these birds are getting. The four were all huddled together when I opened the box - I imagine it's because the mother was in the box with them feeding just before I arrived.



Here's a closeup of one - no ugly duckling, but he/she sure has a long way to go to become a good looking American Kestrel!




As for the Red-tailed - he/she appears to be doing great. I know it's unlikely, but it almost seems as if it is getting used to my weekly visits to the edge of the nest. It is either more comfortable with my presence, or less afraid - in either case, it doesn't keep it's wings out as much now.

Here's a pic showing the membrane that slides over the eyeball. The bird moved slightly when the pic was taken, so it's a little out of focus, but you get the point.



Here's a side profile closeup, showing one of the eyes that doesn't miss a thing!



Looks like I interrupted dinner this week, as the bird had a songbird clutched in one of it's talons. The nest also had many clumps of skunk hair in it (and it sure did smell!).



Here's the last pic for the week - now that's a good looking bird. I wish everyone was on a cable modem so I could post some full quality pics (all of these have been reduced quite a bit). Stay tuned for updates.

Keep the pictures coming, I love it!

I had an immature red-tail once that had fallen sickly. I nursed it for a while and it was getting much stronger, starting to beat it's wings and get a little agressive. I decided it was doing well enough that I went to town for a day and it was dead when I got back. Dang.

There is a fireman that lives near that has over 200 hawks, falcons and owls. He has some very cool birds from Africa, don't remember what they are.

As to the red-tail becoming used to you . . . the species is so calm (falconers use the term "noble", I believe) that frequently passage hawks can be taken off a trap, jessed and "fisted" without a hood. The bird just sits calmly on the glove and looks at you with an appearant attitude of "Well?" Great birds. When I retire, I swear I'm going to give 'em a try.

Thanks as always, Eric!! I love your weekly "fixes"..sakofan...LOL