Welcome to the KJRH "Hawks' Nest" Page. We're proud that our tower has become home to a pair of red-tailed hawks, one of Oklahoma's native species of raptor. Luckily, they've built a nest right where everyone can watch! We had a contest to name them, and our readers voted for "Kay and Jay Red Hawk." Since that name incorporates our call letters -- KJRH -- we couldn't be prouder! Later their offspring, "Thunder," joined the family, and has since moved on to establish her own territory.
UPDATE:
A BASIC TIMELINE OF 2008'S EVENTS:
- March 2: Eggs seen in the nest
- March 31: First egg hatches
- April 2: Second egg hatches
- April 24: The smaller eyas ("Spirit") dies
- May 24: Approx. 6:00 a.m., the eyas dubbed "Thunder" fledges
On March 8, 2009, Kay laid two eggs in the nest. She and Jay took turns brooding, keeping the eggs warm and dry during some very bad weather. After a very heavy snowstorm, through which Kay never left the nest for two days, observers noticed the birds behaving oddly. Kay seemed very agitated, vocalizing a lot and refusing to sit on the eggs.
Jay kept up the effort for a few days, but eventually both adults returned to their normal routines and no longer attempted to hatch the eggs.
People have advanced several theories about the reasons for the birds' behavior. However, no one really knows why the pair decided not to continue with the nest.
Happily, both birds remain very active in the area and observers have seen them at the nest and on some of their favorite roosts in the Brookside area.
Those interested in a lot more detail can visit our Forums and look over thousands of posts and photos.
