Pearland residents warned about dive-bombing red-shouldered hawk
A red-shouldered hawk fiercely defends its nest in Pearland by dive-bombing residents.
Author: Anne James
Published: 1:47 PM CDT May 7, 2025
Updated: 6:08 PM CDT May 8, 2025
PEARLAND, Texas — A red-shouldered hawk has been dive-bombing residents in a Pearland neighborhood as it fiercely protects its nest, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife officials.
While these birds of prey aren't typically aggressive toward humans, they can become defensive during nesting season, which runs approximately from January through August. Officials say the protective behavior should subside in about six weeks once the chicks leave the nest.
The post included a photo of her nest, nestled in a pine tree.
Wildlife experts recommend several safety measures for residents encountering aggressive birds:
- Carry an open umbrella or a stick with flags attached above your head when walking near the nest area, as raptors will attack the tallest object rather than the person
- Place canopies along walkways near the nest
- Post signs to make people aware of the protective birds
- Stay out of the immediate nesting area if possible until young birds have fledged
For those looking to prevent future nesting issues, officials recommend destroying empty nests after birds have left the area and hiring an arborist to trim trees before breeding season to discourage nesting.
Experts emphasize the importance of understanding that aggressive behavior is simply the bird's way of defending itself and its young. Red-shouldered hawks, along with other raptors including red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks and peregrine falcons, are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, making it illegal to harm them or disturb active nests.
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