Thursday, July 24, 2014

Dora returns

It's been three weeks since I've seen Dora the hawk, and I was beginning to worry.  I've heard that female hawks often take some time off after nest duty, so I assumed she was off getting a spa treatment somewhere, but I was getting anxious not knowing where she was.

The last few nights, Christo has been calling at sunset.  He often sits on the local church crosses or the flagpole in the park and cries.  Last night, I heard an answering cry, but couldn't see who made the sound.  Tonight, I can confirm Dora is back in the 'hood.

I found the pair sitting atop the cross of the Most Holy Redeemer church on E 3rd Street and Avenue A.  Christo is on top.  I knew it was him because of his shape, light head color, and a distinctive tail feather.

Dora and Christo

I wasn't quite sure if that was Dora on the left or not, but then she moved and I recognized her shape and face (and her feathers are a bit ratty).  They also sat up there together for almost three hours, which is consistent with their behavior.

Dora and Christo

A peck on the cheek?

A peck on the cheek

They are a stunning pair.

Dora and Christo

As the sun set, Christo took off sailing over Avenue A and was joined by two juveniles, which I presume are his kids.  That's Christo on the upper left.

Hawk family

The three flew around and frolicked on the roof of one of the Village View apartment buildings while Dora watched from the cross as the sun went down...

I don't think I ever posted this, but it's one of my favorite images of Dora.  This is her clearing out some left-overs from the nest.

Dora

Welcome back, Dora!


See more hawk photos here:

City hawks 3
City hawks 2
City hawks 1

Previously

3 comments:

  1. So touching! The cross pictures are beautiful

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  2. We saw one of the hawks, taking in the view from the top of the cross the other night, like Batman overlooking Gotham City.

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  3. Love your photos! I like to think of Dora and Christo as parents at a graduation ceremony ... look, dear, how the kids are grown...

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