Tompkins Square hawk fledgling plays with a feather, catches a pigeon

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.

 

Hawks cooling off in the sprinkler in Tompkins Square

As we all know, staying cool and hydrated in the summer heat is essential. This is also true for our local Red-Tailed Hawks. As the three fledglings increase their activity in Tompkins Square Park, they have taken advantage of the sprinkler on the main lawn.

This young hawk cools its feet in a puddle. 

Diving in...

Seeing one of its siblings enjoying the pool, a second fledgling joins the fun.

Here is some video of the hawks drinking water from the puddle and getting their feathers wet.

The hawks are tolerant of the presence of people (they were born in the park and have grown up with all the noise and activity), but they are not tame and people should keep their distance. Overall, I've seen people being very respectful this season.

Here is another video of the same pair in the puddle.

I've noticed the hawks are getting more use out of the puddle rather than standing in the spray of the sprinkler.

The music in the background of these videos is from the Luddite Festival, which has hosted daily events and activities in the park. What could be more natural and unplugged than watching baby hawks grow up and play in the park?

This situation with the lawn being partially closed has just been a coincidence this year. The sprinkler and caution tape was set up because new sod was laid earlier in the summer. It wasn't provided specifically for the hawks, but it's worked out really well for them. 

When the lawn puddle isn't available, the hawks will use other water sources like this puddle in the middle of a pathway.

In this video, it's revealed that this hawk was not alone, but watched over by one of its siblings who was nearby.

Hawks generally get all the water they need from their food, but when it's hot, they will drink and bathe where ever they can. Christo used to regularly use a birdbath behind the park offices. It has since been removed, so I'd really love to have another one installed. I've seen the current adult pair (Amelia and Charlie) bathing and drinking from the rain gutters on St Brigid's church on Avenue B.

 

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledglings are becoming the stars of the park

The Tompkins Square Park men's room is one of the busiest rest areas in the city. So I was surprised to see one of the resident red-tailed hawk fledglings perch just outside the door while there were people inside.

The young hawks are very curious and like to investigate areas of activity.

I'm not sure if anyone inside the restroom saw the hawk outside the door, but it must have been an odd sight.

After a few minutes, the hawk took off to look for the next adventure.

Here, all three siblings gather on the grass.

I was thrilled to see all three together like this.

Here is some video of the encounter.

Two of them decided to explore the flower beds.

They spent a lot of time pouncing on things in the plantings. I'm not sure if there were critters running around in there, or of they were just playing.

After a good exercise session in the garden, the pair rest in the shade of a small tree.

Later in the day, I found one of the hawks playing on its own.

Keep an eye out in all the fenced-in areas for the hawks who may be playing and practicing their hunting skills. Tompkins Square is unique for its fences and gardens, which have proven to provide a wonderful habitat for bringing up Red-Tailed Hawks in the city.