Anyone know if it usual for a Sharp-shinned Hawk to be aggressive toward an intruder (that would be me) after the young birds have hatched? I am used to being dive-bombed by these birds during their courtship period and early nesting cycle (end of May here in Cook County). There is usually a Sharp-shinned Hawk nest somewhere in the vicinity of the paths where we walk our dog twice a day or more. The aggressive behavior has always ceased during the incubation period, and long before the young have hatched, about July 1. At the moment, I am being dive-bombed every day by a Sharp-shinned Hawk, who seems particularly bold, and who seems to have a penchant for an attack from the rear. She (I believe it is the female, based on size) has never actually touched me, but it is quite startling to have a bird suddenly swoosh over your head from behind. I would assume that the young are hatched out by now (though I've not heard any begging calls). I haven't located the nest, as it is too stressful, for both me and the bird, to stand there looking for it. Is this behavior at this stage unusual? For the moment, I guess I will make a detour around this area.
Bruce Stahly Grand Marais
