Mid to late February is a good time of year to observe Red-tailed hawks as they form (or re-form) their pair bonds in preparation for nesting season.  Over the past 2 weeks I've seen at least 3 pair and possibly up to 5 pair of Red-tails at Cromwell Valley Park performing various displays.  Highlights included 1 pair vigorously chasing off an immature Bald eagle and a 2nd pair lock talons briefly.  On the 22nd, 23rd and today ( the 24th) we witnessed Red-tails mating, and one pair of Bald eagles were seen mating just north of Cromwell at Loch Raven Reservoir, also today.  

The view of the south-east (BGE line) ridge is very good in the afternoon sun, affording a look at Red-tail activity over a 3 mile stretch, from Hickey School to the east and the Beltway to the south-west. By patiently observing this ridge, we can get an idea of how many Red-tails are nesting in our area.

Jim Meyers
Parkville Md