Red Shouldered Hawk

 

One of the first activities I started with this new mantra of “Love the Little Stuff”, was to take a walk outside and look up. I had never paid attention to clouds and birds before...and one of the first I noticed was a red-shouldered hawk I named Copper sitting on top of a telephone pole right outside.

 

What Does A Red Shouldered Hawk Tell You? 

The Cherokee people believe when you see a red shouldered hawk you have been visited by a messenger of vision. When you see one, whatever you were thinking about is going to come true and manifest in your life. It is telling you to clear your mind because someone is trying to get your attention. They represent clear vision and great focus.

Cool Facts About Red Shouldered Hawk

Hawks build their nests high in the trees during the winter or early spring and will decorate them with various green plants

While they are flying, you can see translucent white crescents at the tips of their wings.

The rhythm of their flight is flap, flap, glide

They are named for their reddish-brown shoulder patches

Unlike their red tailed cousins, the red shoulder soars less and prefers to perch in the cover of trees.

  

What Do Red Shouldered Hawks Eat?

Small mammals, smaller birds, reptiles, large insects and even crayfish in some area of the country.

How Do Red Shouldered Hawks Communicate?

While they are courting, the hawks can be one of the noisiest raptors. Their calls can be heard for miles. While flying, they call a fast series of whistles that slur together.

How Do Red Shouldered Hawks Breed?

Red shouldered hawks are monogamous and tend to return to the same nesting spot year after year. They have a crazy courtship ritual. The male and female will fly together and sometimes roll over on their backs. You may see them fly upside down for a short distance.