Monday, July 25, 2016

Christo and kid visit the General Slocum memorial

The summer heat just won't let up, driving the Tompkins Square hawks to find relief by playing in sprinklers and soaking in the birdbaths.  On Sunday, I found Christo catching a breeze atop the cellphone antenna on the roof of the park offices.  He's currently molting and looking a little disheveled, but he'll soon be back to his handsome self.

Molting Christo

The day was so hot, even a hawk has to drink water.  Christo couldn't resist the tempting lure of the cool running stream at the General Slocum memorial fountain.

Christo at the General Slocum memorial

Christo at the General Slocum memorial

Christo drinks from the General Slocum memorial

I've never seen a hawk drink from this fountain, so I was pretty excited to see this.

Christo at the General Slocum memorial

After getting his fill, Christo took off to play with some kids into the shade.

Christo swooping through the park

About a minute later, one of the fledglings appeared on the roof of the park offices.

Fledgling hawk in Tompkins Square

It, too, needed to quench its thirst, so it dove down to a puddle at the foot of the fountain.

Fledgling hawk drinking at a puddle

But why settle for puddle water when there's fresh water to be had?

Fledgling hawk at the General Slocum memorial

Did Christo show the fledgling to drink from the water fountain?  Did the kid learn by watching someone else do it first?  Or maybe the young hawk has done this before and I just haven't seen it.  Regardless, seeing two different hawks do this back to back was a thrill.

Fledgling hawk at the General Slocum memorial

Fledgling hawk at the General Slocum memorial

Fledgling hawk in Tompkins Square

Taking after its dad, the fledgling flew right at my head.  It's always unnerving, but I love it.

Fledgling hawk coming for me 

More summer hawk water park fun to come...

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