We're on hatch-watch in Tompkins Square

We're on hatch-watch for red-tails, Christo and Amelia, in Tompkins Square Park. Assuming Amelia laid her first egg on March 13, we can estimate hatch time will be in the next few days.

This has been the scene for the last five weeks (Amelia on the nest):



This evening, I found Christo on the nest when I arrived at the park.



As Amelia swooped in, Christo was barely visible peeking over the edge of the nest.



Amelia had to maneuver her huge wings through all the tiny branches of the ginkgo tree. Note the leaves are beginning to unfurl. Soon, it will be much more difficult to get a clear view of the nest.



A short while later, a blue jay harassed Christo, taking advantage of him as he preened.



Meanwhile, more spring migrants are appearing in the park, like this pretty little Swamp Sparrow.

 

You can see all the recent bird sightings in Tompkins Square on eBird. The next few weeks should see an increase in bird species as they migrate north for the breeding season.