Hawks on Cornell Campus

[elsiep]

Walking on Cornell Campus, (Ithaca, NY) it's not unusual to spot raptors occasionally, maybe a few times per month, usually hawks I think.  Last year I was seeing at least one and occasionally a pair every week or two.  Big hint: listen and watch for disturbed crows!  And check the roof-lines.

This year I haven't been seeing them as often, probably partially due to a couple big roof replacement projects disturbing some favorite spots.  I still hear them sometimes if my office window is open.  I overlook a small plaza between Duffield and Upson halls, which seems to be at least an occasional hunting spot.

This morning I was hearing the whistles, then heard crows.  Looked out my window and saw a hawk perching on a light pole below.  I watched for a few minutes.  It flew to another pole, then perched on a railing, checking around the base of a big oak and the plaza in general.  (Any squirrels?).  It then flew up to a low branch of the oak.  I was surprised to see a couple squirrels aggressively attack and chase it away (or at least to a much higher branch).  Lost track of it soon after.

It's surprising sometimes how much wildlife (non-human!) is on campus, especially if you're around at odd hours.  And how tame it gets.

-Larry

[Donna]

Walking on Cornell Campus, (Ithaca, NY) it's not unusual to spot raptors occasionally, maybe a few times per month, usually hawks I think.  Last year I was seeing at least one and occasionally a pair every week or two.  Big hint: listen and watch for disturbed crows!  And check the roof-lines.

This year I haven't been seeing them as often, probably partially due to a couple big roof replacement projects disturbing some favorite spots.  I still hear them sometimes if my office window is open.  I overlook a small plaza between Duffield and Upson halls, which seems to be at least an occasional hunting spot.

This morning I was hearing the whistles, then heard crows.  Looked out my window and saw a hawk perching on a light pole below.  I watched for a few minutes.  It flew to another pole, then perched on a railing, checking around the base of a big oak and the plaza in general.  (Any squirrels?).  It then flew up to a low branch of the oak.  I was surprised to see a couple squirrels aggressively attack and chase it away (or at least to a much higher branch).  Lost track of it soon after.

It's surprising sometimes how much wildlife (non-human!) is on campus, especially if you're around at odd hours.  And how tame it gets.

-Larry

To this day, I have never seen a Hawk close-up...just a blip in the sky and 1 on a pole in Rochester but that was high also. Your very lucky and if you see more... good for you. Thanks for your observations.

Donna