What behavior do Western red-tailed hawks usually exhibit when their treed nest is disturbed by humans?

Western red-tailed hawks typically engage in menacing aerial displays when their nest is disturbed. This behavior serves as a defensive strategy, intended to intimidate potential threats, such as humans or other predators, who may be approaching their nesting area. During such displays, hawks often fly overhead in circles, dive, or swoop at intruders to demonstrate their presence and deter them from coming closer.

This behavior is a natural instinct for protecting their young and nesting territory. While vocal cries can also be part of their response, the aerial displays are more visually striking and serve the dual purpose of asserting dominance and warning off threats from a distance. The fact that they engage in these actions rather than immediately attacking or deserting the nest illustrates their instinct to protect their offspring while trying to avoid direct confrontation.