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.

 

 

First Tompkins Square hawk fledge

This is just a quick note to say we've had our first hawk fledge of the season in Tompkins Square. The first of three Red-Tailed Hawk chicks has taken the leap, and the other two are expected to follow shortly. 

Everybody take care in the heat today!

Brown Pelicans - Part 1

Earlier this spring, I made several posts about American White Pelicans. 

Now for some Brown Pelicans!

I photographed the White Pelicans at a lake in St Petersburg, Florida. From there, it was short walk to the shore of Tampa Bay where the Brown Pelicans put on a show each evening. 

Whereas the White Pelicans hunt in coordinated groups and scoop fish out of the water with their giant bills, Brown Pelicans employ a completely different hunting strategy: Diving.

Watching them really soothed my soul and raised my spirits.

This one carries some nesting material.

I couldn't get enough of these guys and took a zillion photos, so there will be more to come. They're such amazing birds and fascinating to watch.