Every year we have one to two nesting hawks or birds of prey who raise their young in the tall trees at Avondale. Over the past three years these nest have been located on holes 2, 9 and 14, and have led to conflicts between the golfers and the birds. This year the nest's location can be found on 6 just before the rightside fairway bunker.
Once the eggs have hatched the adults become very protective of their young and will do almost anything to defend them. In most cases they "swoop" at the golfers who venture under the nesting young's tree trying their best to warn the golfers to leave the area. In cases where the golfers continue their presence under the trees in question the hawks become more aggressive and have been know to make actual contact on the golfers. Under the Decisions on Rules of Golf 1-4/10 (1997) under a dangerous situation inferring with play the golfer can get relief without penalty.
As far as the maintenance staff or others that work for the maintenance department inferring with the hawk by damaging the nest, killing the young or the hawk itself, this is something we will NOT do. Not only is it harming an innocent animal but it is highly against the law to cause any harm to a bird of prey which is not only punishable by hefty fines but by jail time as well. If you have any concerns please contact Animal Control for their ruling on the issue.
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