Juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk

I broke with tradition and went out Saturday morning, albeit rather late, having slept in, which was more traditional. After feeding the birds inside and out, I considered the weather forecast: while half hoping it would rain all weekend and I would be forced to take care of indoor projects that beg for attention, if Saturday morning was to be the only decent weather, I should at least visit the Portage to see if the Jewel Weed was in bloom, thereby attracting Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds.

Jewel Weed and Poke Weed, Chicago Portage

Jewel Weed blossom

Well, the Jewel Weed was blooming everywhere, but there were no hummingbirds in attendance. I did, however, encounter a juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk and a juvenile Green Heron, and was able to observe the hawk antagonizing the heron without success. It reminded me slightly of the juvenile Cooper’s Hawks going after crows in Grant Park. Chances are my presence inhibited the interactions between both birds, but I consider it a draw because the hawk’s presence was damping down any activity by other birds.

Juvenile Green Heron

I will be back with more reports from my Portage weekend. I went back to the Portage again this morning, a couple hours earlier than yesterday’s visit. There was much more going on both days than what is represented here but this is all I have time for now.