A few minutes ago, while sitting at the kitchen table, working on my lap top, I heard the unmistakable, shrill whistle of a red-tailed hawk. Through the open porch door, I could tell the bird was almost overhead. Then, as the calling continued, I realized it was two birds. Quickly putting my work on "pause," I swiftly headed out to the patio, looked skyward and located the pair circling the house. But imagine my surprise when I discovered there was a third red-tailed with them. Judging by the pair's agitation and the swooping motions they made at the third bird, it seemed clear it was a territorial interloper.
The trio drifted eastward, circling all the while. The third bird began to disengage, circling ever higher as it drifted to the northeast and eventually out of sight. Through the forest canopy I could see the pair circling at tree top level. Then, they too drifted from view.
Blake Allison
Lyme, NH 03768-3322