Both adult red-tails at Grant's Tomb were observed early Thursday evening, although the female incompletely and very briefly. A glimpse was obtained of her quickly changing position in the nest, after which her tail feathers were poking up.
Just about the same time, the male flew by the nest and perched in a tree above the guard booth. He stayed for at least 10 minutes.
The nest, by the way, is in a new light tower this year, at the southeast corner of the tomb retaining wall and overlooking the front plaza. When egg brooding began is not clear — just that it was probably after March 16 but before March 23.
On the 30th the male flew to a tree over the guard booth, carrying a rat which he then consumed. He then flew over to the nest and perched on the railing while the female continued sitting, occasionally moving her head around. They were there when I left at dusk.
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