Akhil Bolisetti, Bobby's Run School
Burlington County
Red-shouldered HawkHello! I am a Red Shouldered Hawk. I am here to tell you why it is important that I am in the environment for these fantastic reasons.
To begin with, I eat animals and insects that may scare some people such as spiders, beetles, grasshoppers, snakes, lizards, etc. Some insects can blend into trees, and all sorts of things. But I can see them and eat them before they hurt hikers, mountain climbers, etc. I am a great help to the environment.
But hold on a minute! Let me tell you about myself. I live in hardwood swamps, and riparian forests. My threatened species can also be found in wetlands and mixed woodlands. However, some of my habitats are being cut down for wood, paper, and firewood. I would become extinct if all the trees were cut down.
Finally, the threats that I face are vehicles, hikers, and campers. Almost 25% of the Red Shouldered Hawk species are threatened like this. I don't think I can take this anymore!!!! I would hate to see my species be wiped off the face of the earth.
Here is a fun fact about me. Males are usually 17 to 23 inches tall, weigh 19 ounces, and have a wing span of 38 inches. Surprisingly, females are larger! They are 19 to 24 inches tall, weigh 25 ounces, and have a wing span of 41 inches. This is a cool fact, right?
These are some reasons that I should continue to be in the environment. I think I am a great bird, and you would miss me too!!
Written by: Akhil Bolisetti
Bobby’s Run School, Lumberton
Teacher: Mrs. Sandra Carver