WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
Sometimes we humans think of animals or wildlife as fragile or chess pieces easily defeated when the game is not played to their benefit. I no longer see them as such. Sure, most deer behave in similar ways, and chipmunks, owls and rabbits too. But, as famous deer biologist Leonard Lee Rue contends, “Each animal is an individual.” And some are just more adaptable than others. This red-tailed hawk surprised me today off of State Route 17 near Wurtsboro. I’ve seen hundreds of hawks on powerlines, trees and more. But, I’ve never seen one perched on a sign that close to speeding cars. He was hungry I guess.
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association