Pied hawk nest found for the first time in MT reserve In the Cunhataí-Porã Reserve, in São José do Rio Claro (MT), an unprecedented discovery reinforced the importance of the area for fauna conservation. Lucas Souza, guide and Biology student who works with research on the property, found the first Pied Hawk (Spizaetus ornatus) nest recorded at the site. ? Also follow Terra da Gente on Instagram "I was checking camera traps on the trails, when one of the hawks landed on an embaúba tree and I stopped to take photos. Soon after, another hawk crossed the road carrying a branch in its beak. I entered the forest in the direction he had gone, but I couldn't find him at first. After two hours of walking, it finally worked, I found the nest and the female was sitting in it. It was an unforgettable moment and one of the most striking discoveries of all my monitoring and tracking work”, he comments. Pair of hawks found in the Lucas Souza reserve See more news from Terra da Gente, on g1: IMPRESSIVE: Rural producer catches crab preying on snakes in Maranhão ENVIRONMENT: After 20 years, research shows that the Amazon is recovering from fire, but is not returning the same HABITAT: The tuiuiú's unexpected refuge is far from the Pantanal and is in Minas Gerais Monitoring of the hawk-eagle The Spotted hawk sightings are frequent in different parts of the property, including around the lodge. The discovery of the nest and the beginning of the species' reproductive cycle in the reserve, however, is unprecedented. Therefore, the team began monitoring the pair of raptors daily to gather as much information as possible about the species. Pied Hawk's nest is found for the first time in MT reserve Lucas Souza During one of these moments of observation and data collection, Lucas managed to record a special record: the exact moment in which the couple copulates. "I confess that at the time I was scared. Looking through the camera's viewfinder, I only saw a figure approaching quickly and, for a moment, I thought it might be a dispute. I took two or three photos almost by reflex and only later did I realize that I was witnessing the mating of the Pied Hawk couple. It was one of those moments that nature presents to us in a totally unexpected way. The recording was incredible, but for me, the experience of witnessing the scene was worth even more than the images”, adds Lucas. Alongside Iraceldo Luiz de Cézaro, known as "Gauchinho", businessman and owner of the reserve, Lucas accompanies the couple daily. "I found a strategic point in the forest, about 40 meters from the nest, from where I can observe the couple without being noticed. Monitoring is done daily, at two different times of the day", adds the researcher, who also dedicates his work to monitoring trap cameras aimed at fauna, especially felines. In addition to collecting data on hawks, Lucas also shares information with colleagues and seeks guidance from professionals to successfully complete monitoring. "In this first moment, the most important thing is to follow the couple's entire reproductive process without causing interference, gathering as much information as possible. I have been working for more than ten years with fauna monitoring and field research, and each record represents a learning opportunity. I hope that in the future all this material can serve as the basis for studies and scientific articles, as well as lectures and environmental education actions. I believe that sharing this knowledge is a way of valuing the conservation of the species and showing the importance of the Cunhataí-Porã Ecological Reserve as a safe environment for reproduction of the feathered hawk”, he concludes. Pied Hawk (Spizaetus ornatus) Pied Hawk Lucas Souza It is one of the most imposing birds of prey in Brazil. Due to its size and unique characteristics, it is also known as the plumed eagle. There is even a manifestation by ornithologist Willian Menq, responsible for the Planeta Aves channel, for this to become the vernacular name of the species. Size: measures between 58 and 65 centimeters. The female is larger and heavier than the male. Distribution: occurs from southern Mexico to Paraguay and northern Argentina. In Brazil, it can be found in almost all regions, except in drier areas of the Northeast and in the pampas of Rio Grande do Sul. Characteristics: it is a forest bird and, outside the Amazon, it is considered threatened with extinction. Reproduction: builds its nest at the top of tall trees, which can reach up to 30 meters. The nest is formed by branches and becomes a large platform in the fork of the tree. The egg's incubation period can be up to 50 days. The chick receives care from its parents after birth and only leaves the nest around 80 days of age, remaining in the surrounding area for at least [incomplete information in the original text] and receiving care from its parents even after reaching one year of age. VIDEOS: Highlights Terra da Gente See more content about nature on Terra da Gente