One of the cutest things I've observed this hawk season in Tompkins Square is seeing one of the fledglings play with a hawk feather molted by one if its parents.
This might be my favorite image from this season.
The young hawks will play with almost anything and feathers make good toys.
The fledgling chases after the feather as it blows away.
A little video:
After wearing itself out hunting the feather, the hawk takes a rest in the grass.
Passers-by were worried about the hawk as it laid in the grass, but this is perfectly normal.
One of the hawk's siblings, however, wanted to play.
Hey, get up!
The first hawk finally did get up, and took off to explore the flower beds.
Meanwhile, the second hawk laid down to sunbathe in the early morning sun.
After rest time, the two hawks enjoyed some time stalking squirrels in the garden.
On the prowl...
On a recent morning, I saw one of the fledgling hawks catch its own pigeon. I'm not sure if this was its first, but judging from the way it caught it (a bit clumsy), I think it could be.
The young hawks have been seen catching rats, so they are on their way to becoming less reliant on their parents for food. Once they are self-sufficient, they will be ready to embark on their migration out of the territory. This usually happens in August or September, so we still have time to enjoy their presence around the park.
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