Nesting raptors

oldoakman

oldoakman

Been here much more than a while
Location
Alorgia
Had a call from one of the local "trying hard to be an arborist" guys yesterday. The call went something like this:

Mr. E, I'm in a pine tree with about 4 more limbs to drop, and there is this hawk's nest in the top. She isn't very happy. What should I do?

My reply: uh, get down out of the tree.

Can't I finish?

My reply: No. hawk is protected. Federal offense to disturb a nest with young.

OK, I'm getting down now.

Had the same thing happen with another company about 2 years ago. Seems in central GA that this is nesting time. Once the young fledge, the nest will be abandoned and he will be able to finish the job.

What has some of your experiences been with nesting raptors?
 
thanks oldoakMan!

I feel I have a connection with raptors.

It was likely a sharp shin hawk nest.

thanks so much for saving it.

yes it is a Federal offense to disturb a nest with young.

Seriously, I'm so glad to hear that you were a part in saving that nest and young.

Good job man!
 
Great job! Making the call to stop work until wildlife can move on is not one many folks want to hear, but it's definitely the right one.

Another thing to consider is this: what does he suppose the mama hawk is going to do when he starts destroying her nest? As a sometimes volunteer raptor rescuer with the local Audubon Society, I can tell you first hand those birds can MESS YOU UP! Seriously, anything they grab (face, arm, neck) they will rip right off of you.

Gord, I hear you man. Our airport is right on the Columbia River, so tons of mature cottonwood stands. They get 'the treatment' every year or so too. I suppose it would be quite a bit worse for the environment if a plane had to ditch in the river though...
 
We have had nesting red shoulder hawks in the woods behind the house for the past 6 years. This year they were in one of my trees. Their mating flights are awesome and it is always nice to wake up in the morning to their calls. Of course they like the pickings at the bird feeders too. Thanks for all the support, tree guys aren't so bad after all(snicker).
 
hey, mentioning red shoulder hawks, I've wondered if they were more aggressive than most raptors. A customer of mine had them nesting in a tree behind his yard. he was applying mulch or doing some yard work and one of the parents dive bombed him and slapped his bald head with it's talons and cut his head open, making blood run down across his face. Cool stuff.

I wondered if it was normal for red shoulder, or was it just an abnormal parent.
 
Almost all birds are protected under federal, state or local regulations.

The 3 federal laws:
MBTA = Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Violation = $15,000

BGEPA = Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act
Protective 'buffer zone' can be over 600 ft. from nest.
This includes inactive nests and any 'perching' trees in eagle's territory.
Violation: $100,000 & 1 year in prison

ESA = Endangered Species Act
Violation = $100,00 & 1 year in prison

Non-federal wildlife protection laws vary. Learn you state and city laws and be familiar with local IBA (Important Bird Areas).


Check it out: www.wildlifetraining.org

You'll be glad you did!



-Diane
 
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