That's why the RTH has never been on any of the threatened lists. They are just too adaptable to changing conditions and environments. When one food source gets in short supply they have no problems adapting over to what ever else is available be it rodent, bird, reptile or small mammals.
They are survivors.
Clarence
----- Original Message -----
From: Gene Bullock
To: Terry Schulz ; tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 1:22 PM
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] (no subject)


We watched a Red-tail Hawk take an Eastern Gray Squirrel at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Mass. Our group witnessed a Red-Tail pursuing a squirrel that dashed into a tree cavity. The hawk reached into the cavity with its talons and dragged the squirrel out of its hole. The squirrel's screams were unsettling, but they didn't last long. I think this hawk dined regularly on squirrel.
Gene Bullock
Poulsbo
----- Original Message -----
From: Terry Schulz
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 12:34 PM
Subject: [Tweeters] (no subject)


Red-Tail taking Eastern Gray Squirrel at Bird feeder.
There is absolutely no question what species of hawk we observed catching the squirrel. I agree that it was a unusual behavior for a RTH as pointed out by Scott Ray but during the winter even Buteos become very inventive and clever as well as opportunistic in their prey seeking habits. They often still hunt from a perch like a Great horned owl, a method that can be very effective. I keep hoping to see a Goshawk.
Terry Schulz
Battle Ground


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