Just inside the Marriott Gates, in a cluster of trees to the west, is a large nest of branches – home to Ridley’s latest couple – a pair of Sharp-shinned Hawks.

The hawk is the smallest of its kind in North America. Their diet consists almost exclusively of medium-sized birds, and Chris Clark of the grounds department has noticed a decline in the Robin population at that end of the campus.

Given their recent behaviour there is very likely either eggs or recently hatched offspring in the nest.  These birds are great to watch especially during through the family rearing process.  We are lucky to have the hawks on campus as they are notoriously skiddish. Please do not approach the tree, but observe from the road – we would like the birds to continue to call Ridley home.