Red-Tails Courting!

I forgot to post this on Monday evening after I witnessed it.

The Red-Tailed Hawk of the Clark campus has found a mate!  I watched the pair fly right over Hanna/Hawkins/Foster at a great speed with the male performing his usual diving technique attempting to win over the female.  Unfortunately, she didn't seem too impressed (or at least while I was watching), for she didn't engage in the ritualistic talon-locking that signifies acceptance.  It's quite an amazing display, for those of you who haven't seen it!

"In the courtship display a pair of Red-tailed Hawks soars in wide circles at a great height. The male dives down in a steep drop, then shoots up again at nearly as steep an angle. He repeats this maneuver several times, then approaches the female from above. He extends his legs and touches or grasps her briefly. The pair may grab onto one other and may interlock their talons and spiral toward the ground.

When courting, a pair of Red-tailed Hawks soar in wide circles high above the ground. The male will dive, then shoot up again. After repaeting this maneuver several times, he will approach the female from above. He will extend his legs and touch or grasp her briefly. They may grab onto each other, interlocking their talons and spiraling to the ground."

That comes from this website, which I have verified the information as accurate from my knowledge volunteering at the zoo: http://digital-desert.com/wildlife/red-tailed-hawk.html

I tried to find a video of their courtship, but I couldn't find one on YouTube.  Keep an eye out around campus!!