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Canyon Clean-up and Barbecue! - Hi-Country Estates II

Canyon Clean-up and Barbecue! - Hi-Country Estates II

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<strong>Canyon</strong> CrittersThe Red Tailed HawkBy Terri WilliamsFor years now, a pair of Red Tailed-Hawks have nested off South Shaggy Mountain Road in <strong>Hi</strong> <strong>Country</strong> <strong>II</strong>, in a tall Juniper tree. They are not therethis spring that I can see <strong>and</strong> hopes that they will come back are high. The huge stick nest looks intact from last year’s nesting.The Red-tailed Hawk lives throughout North America to Alaska <strong>and</strong> Canada <strong>and</strong> south as far as Panama. They are not true migrators, though manyof them may move south in the winter for food.The Red-tailed Hawk is a member of the American Buteos (the large soaring hawks). They are carnivores (meat eaters) <strong>and</strong> are known as raptors orbirds of prey. They have strong hooked beaks <strong>and</strong> their feet have three toes pointed forward <strong>and</strong> one turned back, <strong>and</strong> their claws, or talons are verysharp. Prey such as small rodents, rabbits, snakes, lizards, <strong>and</strong> pheasant are killed with the long talons <strong>and</strong> beak. This hawk is sometimes known asthe “chicken hawk” because in rare occurrence the inexperienced juvenile birds have killed chickens. As a consequence, hawks have been shot <strong>and</strong>have been found lying under trees <strong>and</strong> power poles, evidence that shooters do not underst<strong>and</strong> the importance of raptors, or are unaware of theprotective laws, (Federal) <strong>and</strong> still kill them.Mating <strong>and</strong> building the nest begins in early spring <strong>and</strong> continues through May. The Red-tailed Hawks perform aerial displays, circling <strong>and</strong> soaringhigh, then fold their wings <strong>and</strong> plummet to the treetop level. The nests are located 35-75 feet high in the forks of large branches <strong>and</strong> consist of sticks<strong>and</strong> twigs about 1/2 in diameter or larger. Both male <strong>and</strong> female assist in building the nest. Nest sites may be used from year to year, <strong>and</strong> if the old nestis damaged, layers of new nesting material are added each year. The Hawks mate for life, but sometimes will find a new mate if something happens toone of them. The female lays two eggs <strong>and</strong> incubation takes 28-32 days. The female sits on the nest <strong>and</strong> the male hunts for both of them, bringing herfood to the nest. When the young are hatched they are covered with a white down. They grow slowly <strong>and</strong> require much food, which keeps both parentsbusy. They remain in the nest for <strong>up</strong> to 48 days, <strong>and</strong> begin flapping their wings getting ready for the day when they will fly into the air. The young do notreach maturity <strong>and</strong> mate until they are about three years old. The life span of a Red-tailed Hawk is between 10 <strong>and</strong> 21 years of age.The Red-tailed Hawk is easily identified, while soaring over head, the broad, rounded tail shows a rich russet red. Within its range, its frequentsoaring <strong>and</strong> loud hoarse scream will point them out.Classified AdsArt class for Adults. Tuesday nights at 7:30—9:30. $40.00 per month, adult students must provide their own s<strong>up</strong>plies. We are currently studyingbasic drawing. For questions call Annette, 254-5721.Art Classes for Children. Off-Track Art Classes for Children. Children do projects in h<strong>and</strong> building ceramic clay, drawing, <strong>and</strong> watercolors.Kindergarten meets once per week, three classes per off track session, for $40.00 (includes all s<strong>up</strong>plies <strong>and</strong> clay firing). Grades 1—6 meet twice perweek, six classes total per off track session, for $70.00 (includes all s<strong>up</strong>plies <strong>and</strong> clay firing). Enroll with a sibling or friend <strong>and</strong> each get a 10% tuitionreduction! Call Annette 254-5721.Babysitting. Call Sadie Howe, 254-1614.Daycare. Deb Roberts is reopening for daycare services. 20+ years experience. Give me a call at 253-9734Real Estate, Walt Hoffman, Secure Real Estate. Specializing in Herriman <strong>and</strong> <strong>Hi</strong>-<strong>Country</strong> <strong>Estates</strong> homes <strong>and</strong> lots. Representing buyers <strong>and</strong> sellers.801-808-2299,. HerrimanRE.com, walt@walthoffman.comWasatch Piano Works, Total Piano Care <strong>and</strong> Service. Including tuning, regulation, <strong>and</strong> major <strong>and</strong> minor repairs. Free estimates. Please call 253-1143 for an appointment.Questions or Comments?Please send any questions, comments, Letters to the Editor, Real Estate Questions, Recipes, or classified ads to: thecanyonbreeze@gmail.com4

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