Sierra Vista's Radio Station Hawks

SIERRA VISTA’S RADIO HAWK

A listener recently sent a message through the K101 app - complete with photos - of the hawks who live on and around the K101 station towers. Over the years many who live near the Sierra Vista radio station have noticed our resident raptors and they’ve even pointed out the high-rise “apartment” the hawks constructed high above the Townsquare Media building, midway up our FM tower.

Photo by Bob Brewer on Unsplash

HOW LONG HAVE THEY BEEN HERE?

I first noticed the pair of hawks back in 2016. I will sometimes step outside for a break, then take a few moments to watch the hawks fly in circles around the property, sometimes swooping down below the building to grab a late morning snack for their hatchlings. Now I needed to know; how long have these majestic birds been nesting up there?

GENERATIONS?

My curiosity was piqued, so I asked our business manager Jeannie - the KEEPER OF ALL RADIO STATION KNOWLEDGE - how long the hawks have called our little corner of the desert home. Jeannie has worked at the station nearly 25 years she’s seen a lot come and go around here, so I knew she’d have the answer. Jeannie told me the hawks have been here at least as long as she’s worked here, and probably a lot longer, she guessed. Jeannine noted the hawks always nest in pairs each year, and always live in the “hawk’s nest condo” on the tower.

Photo by Martin Adams on Unsplash

PART OF OUR FAMILY

Mr. and Mrs. Hawk, as I think of them (although I’m sure you’ll think of better names), are more than just a curiosity; they help us keep the rodent population down around the outside of the station, which helps keep the vermin from making their home among the sensitive wires and electronics on the property.

LET’S NAME THE HAWKS!

Since we consider the hawks to be part of the family, it seems only fitting they should get proper names, and I know you’ll come up with something MUCH better than my lame little placeholders! What do you think? What should we call them? Add a comment below or send us a message through our free station app!