Kids and their toys

This is probably my favorite time of year with the Tompkins Square hawks - when the fledglings start playing in the grass.  Until now, they've spent most of their time up in trees, so seeing them come to the ground is exciting.

Hello!



This particular fledgling (below) looks very large to me, so I'm wondering if it could be a female.



All the hawks are keenly interested in the squirrels who inhabit the park.  For now, the squirrels have the advantage as the hawks haven't yet figured out how to catch them.



However, there is one prey the hawks have already begun dominating...



Sticks!







Silly goose.



This play is important practice for learning to pounce and grab food.



Sometimes the stick strikes back!





All three fledglings look great and are steadily improving their flying and hunting skills.



Here are some previous posts of fledgling hawks playing in the grass. These were from 2014 when their nest was on the Christadora building.