Welcome to my photoblog on:
Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
My name is James and I am a Biology Major at Campbell University
in Buies Creek, North Carolina.
in Buies Creek, North Carolina.
I love the outdoors and I am hoping to go on to pursue a career in environmental science. I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life as a college student. So far, I really enjoy college. Thank you to Howell Woods and to everybody who helped me get this far!!
Link to the facebook fanpage:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photoblog-By-James-Howell-Woods/233829593470397
"Have a great day, spend it outdoors!"
James________________
To learn more about Howell Woods, please see my previous posts for info, photos, and videos. If you've never been to Howell Woods I hope this blog will peak your interest enough that you will visit. It is a treasure located in Johnston County and one of my favorite places.
To visit the Howell Woods website, click on the link below of contact Director, Jordan Astoske.
http://www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods/
Jordan Astoske
Director of Howell Woods
jtastoske@johnstoncc.edu
(919) 938-0115 ext. 221
______________________
February 2016
Buteo jamaicensis
The Red-Tailed Hawk
The Red tailed Hawk is the most common large hawk in North America.
Adults can reach over 2 feet long with a nearly 5 foot wingspan.
Here is a video that provides some additional information on these birds.
Below is an image of a Red tailed Hawk in flight.
The red tail that gives this bird its name is clearly visible.
When these birds nest, both the male and the female build the nest.
Building a nest is a 4-7 day process.
Clutches are usually between 1 and 5 eggs.
Each egg is less than 3 inches long.
Eggs take between 28 and 35 days to hatch.
This parent has returned to the nest to find a little surprise.
Weighing about 2 ounces, babies are unable to lift their heads when they first hatch.
The mother and father take their food back to the nest and feed it to their young after ripping the food into pieces small enough for the hatchlings to eat.
This part of nature especially amazes me.
What really captures me is how just as Red tailed Hawks are fearsome predators at the top of their food chain, they are also wonderful parents.
A hatchling is so small and vulnerable, completely helpless without the care of its parents.
Mom and Dad know EXACTLY what to do to raise their young just by instinct. The parents put the needs of their young before their own needs. Several examples are out there. Without a second thought parents will fight to the death to protect their babies, and that is because that tiny ball of feathers between them is their whole world. I'm sure that those of you who are parents out there feel the same way about your own children.
What really captures me is how just as Red tailed Hawks are fearsome predators at the top of their food chain, they are also wonderful parents.
A hatchling is so small and vulnerable, completely helpless without the care of its parents.
Mom and Dad know EXACTLY what to do to raise their young just by instinct. The parents put the needs of their young before their own needs. Several examples are out there. Without a second thought parents will fight to the death to protect their babies, and that is because that tiny ball of feathers between them is their whole world. I'm sure that those of you who are parents out there feel the same way about your own children.
The hatchlings spend 42-46 days in the nest before taking flight into the world on their own.
Taking the time to observe the life of these majestic birds has truly helped me to find and solidify what I want to do with my career in the future. I want to spend my career giving something back to this planet that has given so much to me all my life.
Howell Woods' live museum is home to two of these beautiful birds.
Come out and see them up close!
