FARMERS BRANCH -- A collection of twigs looks like an out-of-place tumbleweed, or storm debris left on a light pole. But looking closer at the sticks and twigs might reveal a noble beak, or a crimson tail.

They are a pair of red-tailed hawks swooping over a little league field in Farmers Branch, because they've built a nest atop a 50-foot light pole. "They are not an endangered species, but they are protected," said Nicole Recker, Farmers Branch spokeswoman.

"They're big. It's not a normal little field hawk. He's got a wingspan about like mine," said Bill Capener, neighbor.

The female's actually the big one, her wing span is 6 feet tip to tip. These birds are also known as 'chicken-hawks,' and their nest has eggs.

"At this point, we believe there are either eggs, or fledglings, meaning baby hawks," said Recker.

It's all happening at the Jaycee Park - where little league baseball starts Tuesday night. Red-Tail Hawks are a protected species, and some neighbors were worried about the powerful lights being a hazard to the nest.

"Parks and wildlife has actually assured us that the birds are completely fine on the landing with the lights on," said Recker.

The lights point away from the nest, and the nearest lights have gone out. So for now, birds and baseballs will co-exist.

E-mail jbrady@wfaa.com