Watch Video and Live Web Cam of Red-Tailed Hawks Hatching

This might be the first time I've written two blog posts in one day, but this news can't wait. Right now, on top of a light pole on the campus of Cornell University, in Ithaca, N.Y. a pair of nesting red-tail hawks is having an exciting day. One of their chicks hatched yesterday and a second one is in the process as I write. I've been watching the action this morning and it's amazing to see this mother trying to keep the one chick and the other eggs warm in cold weather, while high winds sway the nest and ruffle her feathers. The father flies in and out, bringing food and nest materials, and sometimes taking his turn at brooding. This is all thanks to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and their All About Birds website.

I know New York is a long way from Tacoma, but we have red-tailed hawks here too. I will try to find more information on them to add soon. In the meantime, click here for the LIVE WEB CAM where you can see action via the web cam and read all about this mating pair. At the bottom of the web cam screen, you will see a tab marked "medium" where you can adjust the resolution to high definition. Then try watching full screen. It's as clear as if you were there.

If you've seen red-tailed hawks around the Pacific Northwest, please comment and share your experiences!
  

Snowy Day Diversion: Amazing High Definition Videos of Hummingbirds

Here in my little home office in Tacoma, Washington, I'm trying to get some writing done, but the view out the window makes me feel as excited as a six-year-old. SNOW! One moment it's falling straight and the next it's like a blizzard, blowing horizontally. And it couldn't contrast more with what I'm about to share with you.

I am reminded of the day in January 2009, now three years ago, when I wrote a blog post called Hummingbirds at Home Through a Northwest Winter. I won't repeat it here, but I do have a delightful surprise to offer on this most wintry day.

 I just discovered a whole channel of high definition videos of hummingbirds. You can reach it through this link. (If the screen appears black, just scroll down.)

Close your eyes for a moment as you click on this example. If you, too, are living where it is snowing today, you are about to experience summer again.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Eating From My Hand (Part One) from Russ Thompson on Vimeo.

And here is another video about Rufus hummingbirds from the Northwest ending up in Ohio during the winter. If your feeders are still out, like mine, please remember to keep them thawed. You can read some great suggestions in the comments on my original blog post, here. Many thanks to all the readers who shared their ideas on feeding hummingbirds during these cold months.

Keep cozy, and thanks for visiting Good Life Northwest.


Winter Hummingbird from Wildlife Matters on Vimeo.