When you are camping on their land, nesting animals, including hawks and other birds, view humans as predators, making attacks much more possible.
With the sprawling construction seemingly everywhere you go, RV campgrounds have become a final refuge for all kinds of species. From grizzly cubs to baby ducklings, the babies are here and humans need to be aware that we are the ones infringing on the critters’ turf. With a little vigilance, we can live amongst the species and avoid any dangers.
Check the trees around your campsite and look for large hawk nests. If there is one, try to park your rig away from it so as not to disturb a bird’s home.
With a wingspan of nearly four feet, red-shouldered hawks are most aggressive during nesting season, which generally runs from March through June. The birds’ habitat spans eastern North America, and along the coast of California to northern and northeastern-central Mexico.
The raptors warn potential predators with talon strikes, like the one below on Riscile’s head. Although not normally hostile to humans, during nesting season people may look like potential predators.
Since hawks are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to hunt, kill, shoot, poison or capture a hawk. Proper permitting is needed to trap and relocate the hawks or their nests. It’s illegal to move a bird nest, so even if it seems tempting, do not touch or move a nest!
The bottom line is if you see a nest or some baby animals walking about, leave them alone and observe. You never know when mom is lurking around the corner.
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Yikes! Thanks for the warning and, even more so, for the information, Sharon! 🙂
That’s why I wear a hat…..🤔
Returning to raptors from political side commentary… The family has property on Lake Superior and about 200 yards from the back door there is an eagle nest with a fledgling. I recently purchased a small drone to expand my photography interests and my other half suggested I could take a peak in the nest. Shot that idea down fast before mom or pop eagle did it for me! An eagle’s footprint in the wet sand just up the beach was as big as my footprint, and I’m not a small guy.
While not dangerous, Barn Swallows are persistent dive-bombers if one gets too close to their mud and grass nest. Ka-plink, Ka-plink is the constant call they make as they swoop close to one’s head! Never had one make contact though.
The probability of any bird actually making aggressive contact with a human is probably akin to being struck by lightning.
No proof of course but if I had to guess I’d say the man was doing something that the hawk felt threatened by. I have been near nesting birds and never been attacked like that, I have been dived towards and heeded the warning, noticed a nest and avoided walking near it again. Possibly that gentleman was trying to get close enough to get a good picture. Kind of like the city folks at Yellowstone who think a bison is going to like it’s picture taken next to the stupid tourist. Always refer to Ron Whites favorite saying, You Can’t Fix Stupid!
Thank goodness that down here our Mocking Birds are not political, BUT if you get too close to their nest they might dive bomb you. Its sort of a “hey pay attention to how close you are to my kids”.
If i ever get to the point where I’m checking for predatory animals doing a dive bombing run on my head, ill sell it, because then I’ve lost it.
Here’s a suggestion, relocate the critter near a windmill farm, that will teach em a thing or two, just ask his Eagle buddies.
Illegal to do that!
As Sarah Palin once said, “The wilderness may be our backyard, but it’s their living room.”
Amen
Said non better by a true patriot. And…she’s back!!!!
Just google “Sarah Palin and Tina Fey are played by Jennifer Greenberg Sexton”, worse I voted for it once before I became wiser to our ABR. It only plays a patriot. $0.02
Translation please…..
She’s a quitter, and queen of the trailer park.
Yeah, and she can also see Russia from her house.
20/10 vision affords you those abilities. Et ready for her second bite at the apple! Will be a great representative of Alaska. Drill Baby Drill. ANWAR, your put on notice.
I can see Canada from mine!
Seeing Russia from her house means she can see them coming and warn us, AND she will!!
Thanks, Adorable Deplorable! I agree. Love your “handle,” BTW. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane