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Most Recent Ag News Article
March 20, 2024 - Birds of Prey Rule the Day
Hawks and other aerial hunters an ally in rodent control.
One of the finest sights in the natural world is the hunting expertise of birds of prey. For example, a hawk can single out a meal for itself or its offspring and, with the precision of an expert pilot, nab a ground dwelling creature.
Having birds of prey nearby is not always fully appreciated. Consider some of the species that call Clearwater County home, or at least pass through for a visit. In a few weeks many of these will be prowling the skies or perched like snipers.
The Northern Harrier prefers natural regions and is common around wetlands. Unlike other hawks, the male and female have distinct appearances. Nests are found in reeds and grasses, so wetland habitat conservation is crucial for the Northern Harrier to thrive.
The Ferruginous hawk is the ‘super size’ of hawks with the female up to one third larger than the male. Preferring open spaces, the Ferruginous hawk would be rare, except perhaps on our eastern fringes.
Osprey are about the same size as the Harrier and are easily distinguished by stylish markings. Think of them as CF-18 jets. They prefer areas close to water, which again shows the importance of habitat. They may nest in tall dead trees, rock points overlooking water or atop telephone poles. Like eagles, osprey return to the same nest annually.
The Red-tailed hawk is the most conspicuous in our region. Mid-size between the Ferruginous and Harrier types, the Red-tailed has a distinct uniformly coloured tail, red above and pink underneath.
Red-tails prefer a high a vantage point, perched versus hovering, to identify their prey, making tall shelterbelts along field edges great launch points.
Swainson’s hawk is usually a prairie dweller but does occasionally visit open areas in the foothills or parkland. Nests are found in trees or taller shrubs. The Swainson’s hawk thrives where ground squirrels are present.
Rough-legged hawks just pass through our area heading to or from its Arctic nesting grounds. Like a welcome guest at a roadside diner, the Rough-legged hawk consumes ground squirrels and other rodents.
The Peregrine falcon is on the smaller side and although highly adaptable, is also vulnerable. They typically nest near wetlands but are also featured on webcams atop buildings.
Peregrines target rodents and insects and take down pigeons. With only about 60 breeding pairs in Alberta, they are considered a species at risk.
The Gyrfalcon is the largest of the falcon family and makes its primary home in the Arctic. In winter months, the Gyrfalcon slips south and may be seen in open or sparsely wooded areas. As a winter hunter, its rare but appreciated presence helps control voles.
The American Kestrel, a smaller falcon, is an aggressive hunter. The Kestrel nests in abandoned woodpecker holes or other cavities and commonly reside in a farm or acreage yard. Watch these acrobats defend their nest and territory vigorously.
Kestrels have a diverse seasonal appetite, ranging from caterpillars, large insects including grasshoppers and mice or small birds. They commonly perch on power lines between hunts.
Merlin are another small bodied falcon which, like a Peregrine, will capture food in flight and occasionally treat it as “to go” by eating it while in flying. Merlin reside in mixed wooded areas near water and nests often in abandoned abodes of larger birds, such as magpies.
The Richardson’s ground squirrel is the favoured prey of many hawk species. Easily more than 80 percent of the diet of Red-tailed, Swainson’s and Ferruginous hawks are RGS’s.
It is estimated that hawks reduce ground squirrel populations by about 15 percent. To feed themselves and a ravenous nest of offspring, a pair of Ferruginous Hawks eat more than 400 per season.
Having several members of the hawk and falcon family in our region is beneficial. A diversity of birds of prey brings a diversity of diet from insects to small animals.
All birds of prey are protected in Alberta and need our attention to thrive and survive. Habitat preservation and enhancement is crucial. Wetlands and wooded areas should be viewed as a benefit and not a nuisance.