Life Lessons from Nature: Red-Tail Hawks vs Nature

Every year nesting season begins, and raptors embark on the journey of bringing new life into the world. Most Red-Tailed Hawks enjoy the stability of their habitat and chosen nesting spot and remain in this area, treasuring the comfort of home. Annually, they begin the “redecorating” process, diligently preparing their nest with care. There is order, structure, and familiarity to this routine. 

Once their nest is complete, they begin their mating ritual to create new life. During mating season, the majestic Red-Tailed Hawk will put on quite a show. Up high in the sky, they fly together in slow, graceful, circular motion, sky dancing, and toe touching until their mating ceremony is complete. 

Then the female returns to put the finishing touches on the nest until she lays her eggs. There is comfort, stability, and security to this process. However, like humans, animals are not immune to the laws of nature. 

Trees die due to drought, disease, invasive species, and adverse environmental conditions. Humans play a significant role in creating these environmental impacts as well as the spread of invasive species with urban development, manufacturing, travel, trade, and transport activities. 

As we continue to see drastic increases and decreases in rain, the ground becomes saturated causing rot in the dying or dead trees. This compounds the issue further, causing them to become frail and brittle. 

It only takes a gust of wind to take down a brittle tree and then it causes a chain reaction and like dominos, 10-20 trees could fall from just this one. Not only is their habitat loss for the animals, but there is a lost future for the young raptors unable to survive. 

With perseverance, loyalty, and dedication to family, the Red-Tailed Hawk rebuilds and begins anew. They understand the laws of nature and that nature needs to cleanse the environment to restore balance. They also know the cycles of life continue to spin in forward motion, that change is constant. 

They recognize when one habitat is lost, nature transforms, and a new habitat is reborn from the process. During nesting season, they will find a new tree to rebuild their nest as they value the wisdom that nature provides. There is an unspoken balance. 

Once the Red-Tailed hawk finds a new nesting location, together, they begin the rebuilding process. They are monogamous, staying devoted to their mate for life (except in death). 

Both parents take part in incubation, the male feeds the female while she nests, and once born, the feeding continues for the new nestlings as they remain helpless for several months until they learn to fly alone. This bond illustrates cooperation as a family unit. 

Red-Tailed Hawks trust the laws of nature and ebb and flow on the wings of change. They know together they will overcome the obstacles and challenges before them with strength, courage, resilience, determination, and commitment. They will start over and try once more to bring new life to the world. 

It is profound and uplifting when you can witness the Red-Tailed Hawk experience the lessons they teach us firsthand. They know how the world works; they understand the laws of nature. Although they enjoy the stability of their chosen habitat and nesting location, they also recognize that change is part of life, it is inevitable. 

They also symbolize our Root Chakra, our tribal power center which embodies loyalty, commitment, and life bonds. They are the epitome of the bonded family unit working together for the common good of the family. Everybody wins.

As occupants on this planet, we can do our part to restore the balance of nature. We need healthy trees for our survival, for clean air, clean water, and for their natural ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere. 

As individuals, there are many steps we can take to help. We can plant more trees and allow new life to be born. We can use organic fertilizers, use less paper, and minimize the use of disposable wood materials. We can also be the voice for change and advocate for stronger environmental practices and protect and conserve trees in our area. 

We only have this lifetime and this opportunity to help those who will be occupying this planet after we are gone. It’s time to be bold, take action and facilitate change.

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