Super swoopers

Over the last few days, the Tompkins Square hawk fledglings have mastered the art of swooping.  If you're in the park, try standing in one place for five minutes and at least one of them will probably fly by.

Last Sunday, they had my head spinning as they swooped from one end of the park to the other, then back again, over and over.  And they're fast! 

It begins with a leap...



A low buzz over the shrubbery...



Zooming across the open spaces...



Zipping expertly through the trees...



Pull up at the last second...



A brief pause...



Off again!





This one took a tour of 7th Street.



Surprise!





These hawk kids are clearly very tolerant of people.  It's great to see them up close and personal, but please do be careful and don't approach them.  They will come to you!