It was a cold, windy day in the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Florida. As we were walking along, we heard a sharp, screeching sound and saw a huge bird flying above. For a moment it appeared still, with its wings spread wide. To our great joy, it flew down and settled on the top of a tree: it was the Red tailed hawk, one of the largest of birds in North America.
Red tailed hawks have excellent vision. They can see colors, even in the ultraviolet range, which we humans cannot and their fantastic eyesight helps them find and catch prey from far distances. Red tails also have an extra eyelid. This transparent eyelid is called the nictitating membrane. They can close this extra eyelid when perched to shield their eyes from wind and for protection when diving into the water to make a kill. Native Americans are said to have had a spiritual relationship with red-tail hawks. They are considered sacred and a protector spirit of the Cherokees. According to Native American shamans, the red-tailed hawk with its sharp, eagle-like whistle indicates that ‘you should clear your mind.’ Moreover if one spots them it is an augury that something very sacred is about to take place and the Creator is giving a message that a miracle is on the way. One of the Red tailed Hawks made its way to Manhattan in the 90s, built its nest on a 12th floor ledge in Fifth Avenue and quickly adapted to its urban environment with remarkable ease. It attracted a lot of attention and was called Pale Male. Soon Pale Male found a partner in Lola and sired many youngsters. Unfortunately they failed to reproduce in 2004 when the residents of the apartment that Pale Male had selected for its nest, had it removed. There was a huge outcry and the public railed against the move and protests stopped traffic along Fifth Avenue! Eight years later, his new mate Lima was found dead in Central Park, most likely from eating a poisoned rat. The fate of Pale Male is shrouded in mystery. It was the subject of a documentary and a slew of books. During its presence in Manhattan it lured and inspired many urbanites to the pleasures of bird watching! Red tailed hawk On its perch A Hypnotic beauty Kindly post your comments here!
26 Comments
Sobhana H
12/27/2022 07:43:32 pm
What a powerful picture and an equally powerful story
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Dr Raguram
12/27/2022 07:56:53 pm
Thanks Sobhana
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Nandini
12/27/2022 08:00:37 pm
An incisive piece, as sharp as the cones of the red eyed hawk! Raptors are my favorite birds. To sight a raptor in the wild is a primal experience indeed! The native American narrative and the wheezing whistle of the bird reminded me of the Brahminy kite, aka Garuda , and it's mythical and mystical lore.
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Dr Raguram
12/27/2022 08:03:34 pm
True Nandini. In fact it is the call of red tailed hawk that is often used in hollywood movies for all raptors and even in scary situations to frighten the audience!
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Valli Seshan
12/27/2022 08:40:53 pm
Amazing creations in nature, their habitats, survival skills
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Dr Raguram
12/28/2022 12:11:19 pm
Thanks Valli
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Nandini
12/27/2022 09:27:41 pm
Oh, really! didnt know that! The call of the red hawk! Thank you for this interesting trivia, Ragu!
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Malathi Swaminathan
12/27/2022 09:44:50 pm
Thank you Sir. You are not just a birder there is that knowledge and cultural about them. The three line along the captivating glance and the end finish adds to the beauty. The way you describe can feel the place.
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Dr Raguram
12/28/2022 12:11:57 pm
Thanks Malathi
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Rajan Iyyalol
12/27/2022 09:49:10 pm
Dear Sir
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Dr Raguram
12/28/2022 12:13:53 pm
Thanks Rajan. Unfortunately very few head to Timothy's advice. The saddest example is the architectural deluge in Bangalore, which are totally environment unfriendly!
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Ravi M
12/27/2022 10:06:22 pm
Interesting
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Krithika
12/27/2022 11:25:38 pm
Beautiful picture and lovely narrative to accompany!!
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Dr Raguram
12/28/2022 12:14:12 pm
Thanks Krithika
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Mitchell Weiss
12/29/2022 05:04:19 am
Truly an amazing photograph and engaging blog, like so many others of yours that enrich our days throughout the year. Looking forward to watch the documentary "Pale Male."
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Dr Raguram
1/4/2023 06:55:45 pm
Thanks Mitchell
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Elizabeth Daniel
12/29/2022 07:59:08 pm
The Native Americans believed that when the Creator wishes to send a message to his people, he gives it to the Red tailed Hawk, who Carries it to the World below.
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Dr Raguram
1/5/2023 09:31:18 am
True Elizabeth. The vast unknown is within us...
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Arun Kishore
12/29/2022 11:36:31 pm
You blend myth with reality and create a lovely story. I remember reading about Pale Male and feeling a sense of frustration.
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Dr Raguram
1/5/2023 09:32:12 am
Thanks Arun. All animals and birds are exploring new territories these days!
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Madhu
12/30/2022 03:36:11 am
Absorbing account with very expressive photo.
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Dr Raguram
1/5/2023 09:32:27 am
Thanks Madhu
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Lata Hemchand
12/30/2022 08:54:31 pm
Dear Raghu,
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Dr Raguram
1/5/2023 09:33:03 am
Thanks Latha. I forever in reverence with nature!
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Chauki
12/30/2022 09:35:02 pm
Beautiful narration Sir. So many fascinating accounts. Thank you.
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Dr Raguram
1/5/2023 09:33:17 am
Thanks Chauki
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Dr Raguram
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