Fall is a spectacular time of year! The trees are changing colors, the weather is cooler, and the animals are getting ready for winter. The skies are filled with migrating birds making their way to warmer climates. September is a great time to see hawks migrating to their non-breeding ranges. A 'kettle' is a concentration of hawks swirling, spiraling, and criss-crossing in an air thermal (hot, rising air). The Blue Ridge parkway is a great place to watch these migrations.

Hawks, or diurnal raptors, are split into five major groups--the kites, accipiters, buteos, eagles, and falcons. There is also the Osprey family which is only one species, and also the Northern harrier which is also a single species. For years Vultures were classified as raptors, but New World vultures, although they resemble raptors, are essentially short-legged storks. Vultures mainly feed on carrion and their bills are not as hooked as most raptors. Their feet are not as strongly taloned as raptors (did you know that vultures often urinate on their legs to help them cool off?).

Hawks are known as 'raptors' or 'birds of prey', but do these two terms mean the same thing? Technically, any bird that regularly feeds on other animals is a bird of prey. Raptors have three specific anatomical features: excellent binocular vision, a hooked upper beak, and strong grasping feet with very sharp talons. The word 'hawk' is from the Teutonic root hab meaning "to seize or take hold." It is referring to the incredible grasping powers of the hawk.

Most raptors are opportunistic when feeding, although rabbits, mice, and other small mammals are favorites. Snakes, amphibians, insects, songbirds, and even some plant matter are certainly not immune to falling prey to a raptor. Some raptors specialize in eating fish, like the osprey and the eagles (70% of their diet is fish). There are several different styles of hunting, depending on the raptor species. There is perch hunting, ambushing, soaring, hovering, aerial pursuit, plunge-diving, ground pursuit, and wildfire hunting. The white-tailed hawk out west will hunt for prey when they see smoke from a wildfire. They will eat insects right out of the rising smoke. Most raptors are solitary hunters, although there have been cases where a pair will hunt together. They have been seen cooperating by coming in on a prey from different directions so the prey will have no escape. Golden eagles have also been recorded hunting in small packs of two or three when larger prey is involved.

Humans and raptors have been closely associated for thousands of years. A practice known as 'ornithromacy' was developed. This practice predicts the future by watching the movements of birds. Omens were predicted depending on where, how high, what direction, and how fast an eagle was flying. Ancient Greeks believed the ospreys controlled bad weather, and in North America the coastal fishermen watched the movements of the ospreys so they would know of any coming storms.

Raptors also hold religious significance for some cultures. The ancient Egyptians have Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky, and the Old and New Testaments refer to raptors in several passages.

Native Americans revered the raptors immensely in life, religion, and art. Most all Indians had some sort of eagle dance, and most constructed elaborate dance costumes out of raptor feathers. Unfortunately many eagles and other raptors were sacrificed for ceremonies and rituals. In Iceland it was believed that if you carried a hawk's tongue underneath your own tongue you would understand the language of the birds (folks, don't try this at home!).

Many hawks migrate for hundreds of miles, while others only migrate a few. Many species in the southern and southwestern United States are year-round residents, and others are only partial migrants. A major migration route is the Appalachian mountain chain. These mountains provide updrafts the birds can catch to make flying easier. Most hawks, eagles, and falcons migrate during the day, although radio-telemetry studies have proven one raptor, the Peregrine falcon, does often migrate at night (the Osprey may also migrate at night sometimes). It is extremely amazing to see a kettle of hawks migrating across the sky.

The WNC Nature Center has a new Red-tailed hawk that was hit by a car and will never fly again. She will be our new education animal and we hope she will inspire others to learn more about these incredible creatures and to be able to see just how massive these birds really are! We offer a 'Hawks and Owls' class this fall as part of our academic schedule for schools. For more information, contact the education department at 298-5600, ext 306.

There are many ways you can help preserve and protect these incredible birds. You can put up nest boxes specifically designed for certain raptors. You can also put up osprey stands and owl boxes. If you ever find an injured raptor, call a proffessional that can help you. You never want to get near their talons or beak. These birds are used to using their talons to clasp onto prey and they don't just let go because you want them to! The best way to help is to educate yourself and others about the habits and habitats of these animals. There are many books and videos available, and well worth reading.