Observation of the Red-Shouldered Hawk

The morning was cool and damp, with a light fog hanging over the river. I arrived at the Confluence Trail trailhead at 06:45, hoping to catch the early morning activity of the forest edge community.

First Sighting

At 07:10, I heard the distinctive call — a sharp, repeated kee-ahh — from somewhere upstream. The red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) is perhaps the most vocal of our North Carolina raptors, and its call carries well through the riparian corridor.

I located the bird perched on a dead limb of a sycamore, approximately 20 meters above the ground. It was a male, judging by the slightly smaller size and more slender build. The rufous shoulders were clearly visible even in the low morning light.

Hunting Behavior

Over the next 45 minutes, I observed the following hunting attempts:

1. 07:23 — Dropped from perch to the forest floor, apparently targeting something in the leaf litter. Result: unsuccessful.
2. 07:31 — Short flight to a lower perch (approximately 8 meters), followed by a second drop. Result: emerged with what appeared to be a small snake.
3. 07:48 — Aerial pursuit of a blue jay through the canopy. The jay escaped into dense cover.

The hawk consumed the snake on a low branch, mantling over it with wings spread. I noted the typical tearing motion — gripping with the talons while pulling with the beak.

Second Individual

At 08:15, a second hawk called from the opposite bank. The first bird responded, and they engaged in a brief aerial display — circling together above the river, calling repeatedly. This is likely the mated pair, engaged in early courtship or territory reinforcement.

The red-shouldered hawk is a bird of the bottomland forest, and its presence here speaks to the health of this riparian ecosystem. Where you find red-shoulders, you find mature forest, clean water, and abundant prey.

Nest Site

I spent the remainder of the morning searching for the nest. At 09:30, I located it in the crotch of a large tulip poplar, approximately 25 meters up. The nest is a typical accipiter structure — a bulky platform of sticks, lined with bark and moss. Based on the size, this nest has been used and added to for several seasons.

Notes

• Both birds were observed carrying small sticks to the nest site
• The female (presumed) spent more time at the nest, arranging material
• No evidence of eggs or young yet — likely still in the nest-building phase
• Will return in two weeks to check on nesting progress