Bird Strike Force

Saturday, January 11, 2014:  Warm, mixed sun and clouds.  It was a warm day, and the entire area was busy with guests in the pool area and beach.  The raptors were set out and two were flown at a time.  The grackles were quite interested in eating guest's food.  But the previous day, I saw adult guests feeding sparrows.  So the pattern of humans feeding birds was quite established.  It was a busy day for staff, since the rainy weather during the week was putting a damper on pool and beach attendance.  The osprey was still in the tree, and was preening then left a short while later.  It seems to be better or maybe not ill at all.  All day, I was busy keeping the hawks in the air as deterrents, explaining the concept to guests.  One island resident said that a few grackles had returned to the North end of the island, so  evening patrols with flying hawks were a top priority.    We went to the end of the island, and with the hawk's presence, the grackles got the message and moved across the water.  A wedding was occurring on the beach that evening, so the moving of the hawks was delayed until the ceremony was over.  It was a clear night, so I could see some stars at night.    Something I really enjoy doing.  The hawks were safely put away for another day.   Sunday will likely be just as busy.