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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

September 29, 2014

Cleaning day.  Got the hawks set out to clean their enclosures and the cabana area where they stay.   The hawks were misted all day long, it was a hot one.   Patrols were minimal as the beach was quiet, and no grackles were an issue at the pool area as well.  I like bringing a hawk into the pool area for the guest, but I have to balance the wishes of guests, some who find the hawks fascinating, and others who seem uncomfortable being near them.  I engaged guests who were interested in the hawks, answered their questions. The eyes  of hawks seem serious and fierce, but if you look at them closely, it is that to have binocular vision, the eye socket has evolved to 'turn front' from sideways as in non-predatory birds.  The brow bone is prominent, to shade their eyes from the sun.  The stripe beneath the falcons eyes (mylar stripe) is to absorb glare, just like athletes do with black markings under their eyes.   But both  raptors and prey birds can see forward quite well.    Then for evening patrols, I had to make room for an event on the beach that night, clearing out most of my gear so the cabana can be used for the banquet and event staff.   Patrols at night were started, yet few grackles (just a few starlings as well) were flying about.  Got a report of some at one of the condo buildings.  But none were seen at dusk.   Stayed out until I was sure that grackles were not coming back after dark.  Then walked around again after dinner to see if any were still around.   When walking around with the hawks, I got thanks from residents at the bus stop as to how the hawks have greatly diminished the messy droppings from the birds there.  

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