A pair of Northern Goshawks have nested in the Odenton Kings Heights area around Prince Charles Avenue and Saint Andrews Lane, probably because of the abundance of tall trees and small prey. These are large raptors that will attack other birds, squirrels, rabbits, and other small animals that are approximately ten pounds or less.
These birds have been observed feeding on prey and exhibit an aggressive lack of fear when approached by humans. They have also been observed "swooping" on human observers that appeared to be interfering with their hunting.
Pet owners in the Odenton Kings Heights area should be aware that cats and small dogs are at risk when left unattended in a back yard providing sufficient clear space for these raptors to carry out a swoop and dive attack.
It is not known if these are migrating or nesting birds, but they have been observed in the area for approximately two weeks, so they may be here for the winter.
Amy Lindley
8:06 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I am Mr. Lindley's daughter. I first "observed" a hawk feeding on a squirrel in our yard on August 28th 2012 around 4:00pm. I got about 10 to 15ft from it and took pictures and video. When I returned later that evening to remove any left over remains of the squirrel's carcass, there was nothing left behind. My father observed two of them in the same space almost two weeks later, one of them dive bombed him with a pine cone. Angry birds!
Here is a link to the video of one of them feeding: http://youtu.be/N0WSfd11gn4
Thea Warner
11:07 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Great photos! I have frequently seen hawks near Odenton ES, in fact one day my son and I got a good look at one hanging around on a post near the school playground (it was early in the morning so not too many folks around). I'm sure they like the open fields surrounded by tall trees in that area.
Mark
12:54 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
The last 2 photos were taken on Conway Drive between Rt 3 and Patuxent Road last winter. The Hawk was dining on a deer carcass right off the road. Just stood there while I snapped a few photos. Beautiful animal.
Brian
7:59 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Awesome!! Great to see some of the protected birds making a come back.