We went to a hawk demonstration in Cape May!
This little one stole my heart....right out of the can.
He's the smallest member of the hawk family. He's an American Kestrel. It is "easily identifiable" by the 2 black stripes on his face, it's blue grey wings, and chestnut back and tail. Perhaps one of the most colorful raptors (birds of prey) in the world, they grow to full size in only one month.An interesting fact is that hawks can sometimes attain speeds of 150 MPH when diving, and most mate for life.
Their sense of hearing is excellent, and their eyesight is the best in the animal world. Not only can hawks see greater distances than humans, but their visual activity (the ability to see clearly) is eight times greater than ours. Hawks also see in color!
It is illegal to capture or kill a hawk, or possess a hawk alive or dead, without proper permits from the State of NJ and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Because they are predators, hawks have historically been regarded by many people as vermin. In the past, they were seen as wanton killers-
cruel and harmful creatures. Fortunately, with ecological knowledge we now realize they are neither harmful nor cruel. They are, like all living things, important parts of a diverse and intricate natural world. The protection of that world is of paramount importance to their well-being, and to ours.
And let me tell you ....they are down right adorable.
Long live the hawks.
With love and hugs,
xo
OMGosh he is ADORABLE! I didn't know nearly anything about them until I read this. That is so interesting, thanks for posting. ~Lili
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