Cedar Mountain Raven Nest

     One of the biggest surprises in recent years has been the expansion of Common Ravens into many of Connecticut’s metropolitan areas. Once considered a scarce resident in southern New England, the raven can now be found in just about any part of the state. Further proof of their rapid growth has been the discovery of a nesting pair right outside of downtown Hartford, at an active quarry.

     The first raven sightings in Hartford occurred about seven years ago along the backside of Cedar Hill Cemetery. Six birds were spotted soaring and croaking over the Cedar Mountain Ridge. What I didn’t realize at the moment was that these six ravens were pioneers, seeking out new territory, and in time, a new breeding site.

     Common Ravens typically nest on the ledge of a rock cliff as the accompanying photograph shows. The Hartford nest (officially in Newington) is located two-thirds the way up the face of the cliff and is nicely wedged in between two large slabs of rock. Ravens use the same nest site year after year, adding new material on top of the old one, similar to an eagle. Nests are constructed of large sticks and twigs, with a deep bowl that is lined with bark and grasses.

     Ravens lay between 3-6 eggs with incubation lasting about twenty days. The male will feed the female throughout the incubation process. During my current visit, I was fortunate enough to witness a gray squirrel offering.  

     A month prior to the nest discovery, I had the opportunity to observe an array of courtship behavior. Some of the displays included soaring over their territory, lots of aerial tumbling and mutual preening on a branch overhanging the quarry.

     Some people may ask themselves, how did the raven’s end up near downtown Hartford? Why did they decide to stay? Scanning the landscape from the quarry, it is easy to understand how Cedar Mountain may have coaxed the flock over from the hilly Farmington region. Being an island of greenery in the midst of urban sprawl, Cedar Mountain may have been too hard to resist for some curious corvids. Once they arrived, they discovered a perfect habitat in which too nest, roost and hunt. 

     Interestingly, an adult Peregrine Falcon has also been seen at the quarry for the past month, roosting and preening for long periods at a time. The abundant whitewash upon the cliff face is a testament to the falcon’s fondness for the site. Could a raven and falcon coexist at the same location? I urge you to read this fascinating short article:

http://www.tnbirds.org/MigrantOnline/v069/V069p179-181.pdf

Flooded Farm Fields, Nature's Temporary Habitat

     When it comes to finding migrant waterfowl in the spring, there’s no secret among Hartford birdwatchers as to where to look. Most reports at this time of the year come from such local hotspots as Station 43 in South Windsor and the Glastonbury Meadows. It is here where you will often find the best variety of species as well as the largest congregations. But like every spring, getting to those favorite locations can be somewhat of a challenge.

     In spring, snow melt from up north combined with long periods of steady rain can cause the banks of the Connecticut River to overflow. In floodplain areas like the South Windsor Meadows, this may prevent access to the river for up to two weeks. But as the waters recede, a temporary habitat is created consisting of standing pools of shallow water and mud.

     These temporary holdings of water are very important to waterfowl throughout the spring migration. First and foremost they provide an abundance of nutritional food like invertebrates and plant seeds. Both the Northern Shoveler and Green-winged Teal can be found during migration in these shallow pools, heads partly submerged, as they sift for food from muddy water. Most flexible in their feeding habits, the Northern Pintail and American Wigeon will also take advantage of flooded farm fields by foraging in standing water as well as on saturated land.

     Another important aspect of seasonal flooding is that it provides waterfowl with an additional place to rest enroute to their breeding grounds. Ducks who are routinely disturbed at popular birding sites may have the option to relocate to nearby environs, rather than travel a great distance to find refuge. Enough of this type of disturbance could cause stress and drain energy reserves at its most crucial time.

     Regular visits to the river during the flood season can be very beneficial. Observers are often rewarded with close, unobstructed views of many beautiful duck species. Some flocks however may be distant, so having a spotting scope within arms reach is essential. While you’re scanning for ducks, bear in mind that other bird species such as Wilson’s Snipe and Killdeer favor those same nutrient rich “temporary” habitats.

The Granddaddy Of All Nests

     There is perhaps no sight as thrilling as that of a Bald Eagle soaring over the Connecticut River. The image of great strength and beauty, it is easy to understand why the Bald Eagle was chosen as our national symbol. Measuring three feet long with a wingspan of over seven feet, the eagle is a bird that’s hard to miss. As you can imagine, a bird of this size and splendor must have a nest to match its stature.  Big birds need big nests!

     Eagles mate for life and usually return to the same nest year after year. Over the years, new material will be added to the nest, causing it to become larger and larger. Nests are typically four feet in diameter and three and a half feet tall. They are usually positioned in the top section of a large tree, just below the crown. As you can see in the photo, the nest structure is constructed of large intertwined branches and smaller twigs.                                                           

     Eagles lay between 1-3 eggs with incubation lasting about thirty-five days. Both parents share in the incubation process as well as feeding and caring for young. The young birds remain in or near the nest for about three months. Nests are almost always located near a body of water, which provide hunting opportunities for fish, small aquatic mammals and waterfowl.   

     These Bald Eagle nest photos were taken in Hartford County last January. While I don’t like to publicize all nest locations, the fact is eagles and nests are becoming more and more visible. Take for instance the North Meadows Bald Eagle nest in Hartford. Seen easily from Interstate 91, the nest sits as a symbol of hope and as an indicator of the health of our environment. For those like myself who drive by it every morning, I can’t think of a better way to start the day than a portrait of a brilliant sunrise and an eagle nest.

Nest Renovation

The Red-tailed Hawk is a familiar sight throughout the state of Connecticut. However, the middle of downtown Hartford is not where most people would expect to see one living and nesting. More closely associated with woodlands and agricultural land, Red-tailed Hawks have adapted remarkably well to city life as this photo nicely shows.  

    This particular Red-tailed Hawk nest was photographed on February 26^th on a State Office Building at 165 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. Red-tail Hawk nest sites in urban areas are typically situated high up on man-made-structures such as office towers and apartment buildings, as opposed to the standard tall tree.  Almost all of the chosen sites are protected from high winds and out of the reach of potential predators.

     Red-tailed Hawks usually begin nest building in late February or early March. The Capitol Avenue nest had just been refurbished during the last week with many new sticks and twigs. The female will now spend much of her time inspecting the nest and forming the bowl, with the first eggs due to be laid in late March.

     If the nest is successful, the hawks will hunt in nearby Bushnell Park and feed their young a diet of small rodents, rats, squirrels and pigeons.

     As a downtown business owner, I feel extremely thankful to have these magnificent birds of prey as my neighbor.