So You Think You Saw a Hawk in Chicago? A Guide for the Clueless Birdwatcher (That's Most of Us)
Let's face it, folks, the pigeons of Chicago are about as exciting as watching paint dry. But hey, there's a chance you might have spotted something a little more thrilling soaring through the Windy City skies – a HAWK! But with all those feathered friends circling around, how do you know which hawk is which? Don't worry, this guide will have you chirping like a pro in no time (though please, refrain from actual chirping in public).
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| What Kind Of Hawks Are In Chicago |
Common Hawk Hangouts in the Chi
Chicago's a pretty hawk-friendly city. With parks, forests, and even some daring birds who like the skyscraper scene, there are a few places you might spot these winged wonders:
- Parks and Wooded Areas: Think Lincoln Park, Millennium Park, or even your local nature preserve. These areas offer prime hunting grounds for hawks.
- Your Neighborhood: Yep, you read that right! Cooper's Hawks are known to snatch songbirds right from backyard feeders. Keep an eye out, and those little birdies might just become the snacks instead.
- Skyscrapers: Ever wondered why pigeons avoid the Willis Tower? Red-tailed Hawks might be the reason. These bad boys love the high vantage point for spotting prey.
Identifying Your Feathered Friend: A Hawk ID Crash Course
Alright, alright, so you saw a hawk. But what kind? Here's a quick rundown on Chicago's most common hawks:
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- The Red-tailed Hawk: This rusty-colored dude is practically the Chicago hawk mascot. Bold wingspan, bold scream, and a love for hanging out on top of things. Easy to spot, hard to miss.
- The Cooper's Hawk: This sneaky little guy looks an awful lot like the Sharp-shinned Hawk (ask a real birdwatcher, they'll tell you the horror stories). Short, rounded wings and a barred underbelly are giveaways.
- The Red-shouldered Hawk: Not quite as common as the others, but this fellow prefers wooded areas. Look for a reddish chest and barred wings.
Remember: These are just a few! There are other hawks that might grace Chicago with their presence, so if you're really curious, grab some binoculars and hit the park!
Hawk FAQs for the Curious Citizen
- How to Avoid Getting Swooped by a Hawk? Relax, these guys are after small prey, not humans (unless you're carrying a chihuahua).
- How to Attract Hawks to My Yard? Maybe not the best idea. Hawks can be messy eaters, and your neighbors might not appreciate the sudden lack of songbirds.
- How to Tell the Difference Between a Hawk and a Kite? Hawks are more stocky with broad wings, while Kites have a more slender build and forked tails.
- How to Train a Hawk as a Pet? Don't even think about it! These are wild animals, not feathered Beanie Babies.
- How to Celebrate Spotting a Hawk? High five a stranger in the park and yell, "Hawk alert!" They might look at you funny, but hey, you just witnessed something pretty cool.
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