Tompkins Square fledglings exploring trees

It's been less than a week since the first Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chick fledged, but they are already getting the hang of flying and exploring trees. Their parents are staying close to look after them and Dad is being especially attentive.

This is Charlie (right) feeding one of the fledglings in a tree near the Temperance Fountain. 

Charlie had caught a pigeon and took it up to the branch where the fledgling perched. 

They appeared to have a little discussion about it.

After a few minutes, Charlie took the pigeon to another tree where I think it was easier for him to prepare the meal. He called to the fledgling to follow him, but the kid didn't seem inclined to move from its perch.

 

Instead, the fledgling took the opportunity to hop around the tree and practice climbing and balancing.

Meanwhile, Dad paid a visit to the other two fledglings who were perched together in another tree. After a few minutes, he took off again.

One of the kids remained behind.

This is Charlie back in the nest tree, maybe checking on larder supplies.

Amelia kept watch over all the activity from a tree near the center of the park.

This is Amelia on one of her favorite perches over the east side of the lawn.

I caught her studying a large flying insect...

This is her checking me out from a tree.

Finally, we have Amelia and Charlie on the roof of the Christodora, where they must have a spectacular view.

All three Tompkins Square hawk chicks have fledged

All three Tompkins Square red-tail hawk chicks have officially fledged the nest. They each left the nest tree consecutively on June 11th, 12th, and 13th.

They've been returning to the nest for meals, and are practicing flying between trees.

All three are visible in this photo, although one of them has their head blocked by leaves.

This one looks intently at something on the ground.

So far, the young hawks are staying high in the trees, but they will eventually explore the park. For now, the easiest way to find them is to listen for their food calls.

 

More to come... 

Brown Pelicans - Part 2

As we suffer through this heatwave, let's cool off with some Brown Pelicans.

They skim the water with seemingly little effort, then slowly glide up, twist to the side, and suddenly make a corkscrew dive.

I could watch this all day - and I did! For several days in early spring, watching pelicans dive was my way to relax and focus on the present.

Cormorants dive after the pelicans, hoping to steal their catch.

Laughing Gulls also follow the pelicans as they go fishing.

This is an immature pelican casually skimming the water.

Just one slow wing beat is all it takes to keep up the momentum.

This is an adult in breeding plumage. Up close, they're really beautiful with dark burgundy feathers lining the backs of their necks.

Some Brown Pelicans have been spotted this week off the shore of Staten Island. Keep an eye out for giant gray birds with huge bills diving or flying in squadron formation.