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February 20: Rufous Returns
Welcome back, everyone! The 2014 season for the Valley Ranch, Texas, Cooper's hawks has begun!
If you have not already met Rufous and Henrietta, they are a pair of Cooper's hawks that have nested in a tree near the Norman's home for the past five years! You can read all about them beginning with Year 2009 Adventures.
The season begins with return of Rufous, the male Cooper's hawk, to his territory in Valley Ranch. This morning Jay & I spotted Rufous in the cypress tree. He seemed to be scoping things out, and maybe looking for Henrietta, who was nowhere to be found. Guess he's too early? A small orange tabby cat meandered through the yard and passed directly underneath Rufous. He eyed the cat with curiosity but did not make a move. Welcome home, Rufous!!
March 3, 2014
As I headed out the front door this morning, I heard a hawk calling "kek kek kek kek" nearby. I circled back along the road and - sure enough - there was a Cooper's hawk in the dead willow tree across the street! I nodded to myself with satisfaction and headed back to my car. As I got in the car, I saw the hawk fly down and back across the street, maybe toward old nest tree.
March 4, 2014
Today was a warmer, clear day, and Rufous has gone into action! I watched him preening away in the cypress tree. Then he flew to the ground for a stick and up, up, and away he flew to the site of the 2013 nest! I would love it if the hawks nest in the same location as last year!
Continue to Chapter 2: Two Hawks in the Cypress Tree
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