As we head into a heat wave this weekend, the Tompkins Square hawk fledglings are improving their flying skills as well as learning to chase prey. The photos below show two of the three siblings as they run around, pounce on sticks, and leftover food.
This leftover pigeon was caught by dad M2 and delivered to the fledglings earlier in the day. After eating what they could, the pigeon became a toy.
While one hawk played with the leftover food, the other chased after a squirrel.
The squirrel easily evaded the hawk and dove into the safety of the bushes. The fledgling then turned around with its wings raised as if it was challenging the next adversary.
Tired of the old pigeon, this fledgling found a stick to play with.
Doing a little running...
As the hawk made a low swoop over the grass, we had a good look at its tail.
The fledglings are at an age where they will be playing and eating on the ground. If you see one doing this, please give it space. If you see anyone else approaching them, please intervene and tell them to stop. We've had incidents this week with people approaching the fledglings as they eat on the ground. In one instance, mom Amelia SCREAMED from a nearby tree. This is NOT OK. The young hawks are very vulnerable as they are just learning to fly and have the awareness of toddlers. It's up to us to keep them safe.
Thanks to the NYPD 9th Precinct officers who helped clear people off the lawn this last week. The lawn was locked to keep people out of the area where the fledglings were spending time, but people climbed the fences and even brought in their dogs. If you see anyone harassing the hawks, call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers or the Park Police.
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