The relentless hawk
October 22, 2014 by Debbie -
The hawk saga has continued this week and the chimps are still on high alert. Last week, J.B. posted about a hawk that caused the chimps to be somewhat apprehensive.
Here’s a couple shots of the hawk (we’re calling him Hank).
Since Hank has been hanging out this whole week, the chimps are more used to his presence, but they are still very territorial. Today, Missy was still a little apprehensive and took cover inside the tunnel, and then ran back toward the safety of the chimp house. But Foxie, Jody, and Jamie were on patrol letting Hank know who’s in charge.
Missy emerging from the tunnel:
Foxie, Jody, and Jamie on alert:
And then on patrol to secure the rest of the territory:
Jamie took one last look back to make sure Hank learned his lesson:
It’s really great getting to see the chimps exhibit such a naturalistic behavior—patrolling the fence line and defending their home.
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Little do they know that Hank is protecting them from those scary little critters like snakes and mice!
Hank the handsome hawk!!
Elizabeth and I saw Hank this morning as were were walking to the chimp house. When did you take these amazing photos, Debbie? Oh, Hank. Maybe him and Ellie will team up.
JB took all these photos 🙂 The ones of Hank were from Saturday, but all the chimp pics were from today.
“alright, alright, everyone on patrol…..damn hawk…….” — Jamie
Wow, I never knew the chimps had a secret tunnel. Now that’s cool! Young’s Hill has everything. If I were Missy, I’d stay in the tunnel. But like Nancy mentions, I bet there are lots of snakes and/or mice in there. Eeeek! I wonder what Hank thinks of Jamie’s Patrol Crew, Dora et all. ; )
Hank looks like a Cooper’s or a Sharp-Shinned Hawk. It seems like such a small predator to attract the chimps’ attention. Interesting!
I love to see them reacting to things as they would in the wild.
Hank wants the troll!!!
Hank is an immature Red-tailed hawk. The field marks- dark head, light bib, dark belly band. Young first year birds have a barred tail. He/She is very handsome! The chimps don’t have to worry about Hank going for them, but they will be happy to see if he/she takes out a snake for a meal!