Red Shouldered Hawk help (1 Viewer)

[mrmike]

I've been asked to photograph a Red Shouldered Hawk. They are scarce in Ontario from what I've learned. I did some research and picked a location to start. Before I went out there I familiarized myself with their calls. To my delight I got a screeching territorial call when myself and a friend were walking through the nature reserve I had chosen. The call was 100% a Red Shouldered Hawk call. I only caught a glimpse through the bare trees and then he was gone. I've since been back once. I situated myself before the sun came up and brought a "mouse in distress" call to hopefully entice him from hiding. No luck. Nothing. I am asking for advice on bringing this hawk out from hiding. I thought about using the same call from another Red Shouldered hawk but wasn't sure if I'd be distressing this bird especially since it's mating season. I wouldn't want to jeopardize any mating that may be happening. This is an 82 acre area of deciduous forest and swampland. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Mike

 

[KC Foggin]

Hi Mike.

This is probably the worst time of year to try and bait them out as this is their breeding time. I myself have recently noticed because of their trying to feed their young, I hear and see them out and about more than ever now. I think if you just pick a spot and hunker down, you will hear and see them with little trouble but I'd hold off on the any calls for any bird during the breeding season. Just my 2 cents though.