Mid-week Tompkins hawk update

You may have noticed the Tompkins Square red-tailed hawks flying around the park a lot more recently. The three fledglings have been very active practicing their flying and playing, and at least one has caught its own rat.

In all the previous years, the fledglings have kind of kept a schedule throughout the day when they were active in the early morning and late afternoon, but this year, the hawks seem to be energized throughout the day. That may change as we enter another heat wave this week.

This is one of the fledglings hanging out in a tree in the park. All three have colorful plumage at this stage. 

They really are gorgeous.

This one flies past the warm brick of the Christodora along Avenue B.

It landed at the tippy-top of a tree.

 

After looking around a few seconds, the hawk continued on its exploratory journey of the park.

Eventually, the hawk came down and perched very low in a tree where I was happy to get a good look at it.

The parents will supplement the meals as long as needed. Below, Dad brings in a baby starling.

He's quickly ambushed by one of the fledglings who flies in from behind and grabs the food.

Mom Amelia also actively feeds the fledglings. This is her with the remains of a pigeon.

After giving away the food, she remained in the immediate area and kept an eye on everyone.

I caught her visiting a rooftop which I think may be serving as a food drop. She looked around for a few minutes before taking off empty-taloned.

As the weather heats up, you may see the hawks panting, which is normal. They also come to the ground to play, practice catching prey, and take baths. This is also normal behavior. Give them plenty of space and keep those dogs on a leash!

 

More to come. 

Tompkins Square hawk fledglings curious about their world

Good morning! 

All three Tompkins Square Red-Tailed Hawk fledglings continue to do well and have been demonstrating their flying skills by dramatically zipping around the park. 

 

This one stretches its wings in preparation for take-off. 

I caught up with two of the three siblings the other morning as they waited for Dad to deliver breakfast.

The one on the right couldn't stay still and took off to join its other sibling on the other side of the park.

The hawks are also learning to chase prey, like squirrels. So far, the squirrels have out-witted them.

This squirrel had no tolerance for a hawk at the foot of its tree.

After taunting the hawk a while, the squirrel retreated up the tree and the hawk moved on to other things.

This is the same fledgling taking a walk though a meadow, looking for things of interest.

Maybe there's something interesting in these bushes...

The hawks are just past two months old and are basically toddlers, curious about everything around them. They also need their rest, so this one took a break in the shade and let its wings flop out. They also do this to cool off in hot temps.

Just before sunset, one of the fledglings took an interest in people sitting along a fence. It perched behind them and none of them seemed to notice the giant bird.

One way to find the hawks in the park is to listen to other birds screaming at them. Robins and Blue Jays are the loudest and persistent. I found this fledgling in a tree thanks to the Blue Jay on the right who announced its presence to the world.

Seeing the hawks as they are now, it's hard to believe they were still fuzzy little things just a month ago. The photos below are all from May.

 

Two chicks peer from the nest: 

Showing off those impressive wings:

The threesome having a discussion at the nest:

All three hanging out and stretching:

Getting some exercise:

This is one of the last photos I have of them as they are molting out of their fuzzy down and growing their wing and tail feathers.

More to come...

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledglings are now two months old

The Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledglings are now two months old and are looking great.

They're learning quickly, improving their flying and navigation skills.

I love the patterns on their feathers. Note the toe and talon sticking out in the lower right.

I've been finding two of them close together a lot. Getting all three in one shot has been a challenge.

As always, I'm impressed by their flexibility, especially their necks. The hawk below on the right is getting a better look at its sibling by turning its head around and upside-down.

Note the difference in size of these two. They could be male (smaller) and female (larger), but I can't know for sure.

There's a lot of dropped food around the park, so be careful where you sit. This one scavenged a dead rat from beneath some flowers.

I love the color of the young hawks' eyes, which is a minty green. As they age, their eyes will turn brown.

And here is that scavenged rat from the flower bed...

All three are looking good and appear to be doing well.

Meanwhile, the hawks' parents are keeping close eyes on all the fledglings. This is Amelia the other day perched on the top floor of the Christodora, watching over one of her kids in the park below.

Amelia took off and was replaced by dad, Charlie, in the same spot. After he located all three fledglings, he delivered food to each one.

More to come...