I heard them late in the afternoon, recognizing the territorial we’re here, this is our space calls of the resident pair of Red-Shouldered Hawks, Buteo lineatus.
The male is the smaller of the two, beak wide open proudly and loudly proclaiming his ownership of the back neighbor’s tree.
The hawks never actually left the neighborhood after last season’s chicks fledged late in summer. I’ve seen them winging through the trees and soaring overhead, but that they’re poised together in a show solidarity as a mated pair suggests that they plan to stick around and raise another family. I’m wishing them good hunting and safe nesting, with a gentle plead that they leave alone the over-wintering songbirds and native resident birds. They are welcome to snatch any European Starlings, European House Sparrows, and rats for their meals.
Also back, though only passing through, are migrating Monarch Butterflies, Danaus plexippus.
I’ve seen a few individuals recently as they waft over the garden. Today several are spending time in my garden, refueling for their travels.
I hope to see more Monarchs (and other butterflies!) as these remarkable insects travel to their wintering grounds in Mexico. There is plenty, the garden abloom with pollinators’ delights, the Texas second spring having arrived.
I saw one of these hawks sitting atop a wooden fence yesterday. I was driving, but in a spot where I could pause and watch it for perhaps a minute before it flew. I was too slow to get to my phone, but it couldn’t have been more than twelve feet away: gorgeous!
I wonder if the Monarch’s path has changed this year. You clearly have more flowers blooming than we do, because of our significant drought. I’d thought their migration was over, but they might just have “moved over” a bit in order to feast on central Texas flowers. We have received some rain today, although I doubt it will be more than a tenth of an inch or so.
LikeLike
When it’s dry and warm, I’ve noticed that the monarchs migrate a bit later. I haven’t seen many this year, but certainly more in the last few days.
Those hawks are particularly beautiful, I think. Then again, I think all the hawks are beautiful!
LikeLike
What a plump hen she is! Hope they can safely raise another brood.
Nice to see the monarchs have made it this far, not far left to go! 👍🏼
LikeLike
Yes, this pair had 2 chicks this past year and 2 the year before. They’ve nested in a big Red Oak tree around the corner from my house, but they hunt all over. So fun to observe!
Yes, once the monarchs are here in fall, they’ve made most of their trip, though they still have some distance to travel.
LikeLike
What season is it there that the butterflies are so blooming? 🦋
LikeLike
Hi Aura! It’s autumn here! I live in Central Texas, USA and we have a long growing season.
LikeLiked by 1 person