Our fledgling red-tailed hawks in Tompkins Square Park are getting the hang of flying and landing, balancing in trees, and figuring out how to be raptors.
This is one of them in flight along Avenue B.
Looking good!
The three young hawks are getting to know their neighbors, especially the squirrels.
Mom and Dad are still providing food to the fledglings so they can focus on their flying skills. As they are well-fed and content, there's time for relaxing in the warm afternoons. This young hawk is just chilling on a branch.
The young hawks need their nap time as well. Below, one fledgling rests in a bed it made of leaves while its sibling nibbles at it, encouraging it to get up.
Relenting, the sleepy hawk got up and joined its sibling on a nearby branch.
Here is one of the fledglings with mom, Amelia.
They are soon joined by another fledgling.
After a few minutes (with no food to be had), one of the fledglings takes off.
All three young hawks currently have peachy-yellow chests which can help identify them. The pattern of brown spots is unique to each individual.
Looking very serious...
The fledglings all have heavy dark splotching across their bellies, and brown spots on their legs. Their eyes are also a lighter color than the adults, who have brown eyes.
Keep an eye out in the park for people with binoculars who are likely looking at the hawks.
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