Red-Shouldered Hawk, female
Neighbors mentioned a new nest in the neighborhood. I've been observing the nest. It's location is nestled almost hidden on the branches of a Southern Live Oak tree and until today (3.14.19), I haven't been able to get a photograph. Mama Red-Shouldered Hawk sat up so I could take this photo for you. (ID confirmed by What's this Bird?)
"Incubation is mostly by female (33 days). Male brings food to the female at nest, and may take a turn sitting on the eggs while the female eats...There will be 3-4 pale-blue colored eggs... When the eggs hatch, the female remains with the chicks for 1 -3 weeks. Male brings the food and the female feeds it to the chicks." - AudubonThe nest is a platform of sticks and is built by both male and female.
Red-Shouldered Hawks are a natural vermin control—they eat mice, rats, and vole. They also eat small mammals, lizards, snakes, and amphibians.
