Tompkins Square hawk fledglings exploring trees and (not) sharing meals

The Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledglings are quickly honing their flying skills and are becoming more familiar with their environment.

On a recent afternoon, I found one of them at the top of some trees. 

The fledgling (below, left) had its eyes on mom, Amelia (below, right).

When it saw her, it tried to make its way up to where she was perched.

Hey, Mom!

The pair stayed up there for a while, watching the activity in the park.

Later, Amelia (below, right), delivered some pigeon dinner to a branch where one of the fledglings (below, left) came to take it from her.

All mine!

The commotion attracted the attention of another fledgling, who joined its sibling on the branch.

The first hawk, however, was not going to share and did its best to block its sibling from getting any of the food.

The hawklet on the right eventually dragged the pigeon to another branch where the other fledgling couldn't reach it.

There's a notable size difference between these two, with one being significantly larger than the other. Below, the hawk on the left appears much smaller than the one on the right. It's possibly they are male and female.

The fledgling on the right also has a lot more brown speckles on its chest, which is helpful when trying to identify them individually.

More to come...

Celebrating the NY Knicks

Wooo!

I ventured out of the neighborhood on Thursday to go to the parade honoring the New York Knicks. I've been loving the positive energy they have spread around the city and beyond over the last few weeks. I've never felt anything like it before and hope we can keep it going...forever.

Below are a few photos and video from Lower Manhattan.  

This drumming group was great and got people dancing.

Here they are in action:

Down at Foley Square, fans took up every available viewing spot.

FDNY was there.

As well as the Sanitation Department. I've never seen a street sweeper decked out like this.

Not every fan was human. This robot in a Knicks jersey attracted many curious onlookers.

You can see more photos of the parade and other Knicks-themed images on my Flickr page.

 

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.