Chick pics

The red-tailed hawk nest in Tompkins Square Park has been extremely difficult to see this year due to the foliage and windy weather that blows the branches around. The chicks have mostly been keeping low in the nest.



Over the last few days, I've managed to catch a few glimpses of the nestlings who still have downy white heads, but are growing dark brown wings and tails.





They are also developing some color on their chests.



Below, mom Amelia enters from stage-left and you can get a sense of the size of the chick, who is nearly as tall as mom.





There's a big world beyond the nest waiting to be discovered...





 

Assuming the babies hatched on/around April 20, we can expect fledge time to be in the next couple of weeks. However, there is no rush and the kids are free to take their time.

If you want to see young red-tails practicing their pre-fledge moves, be sure to check out the live NYU Hawk Cam over at Washington Square Park. Better yet, take a walk over there to see them in person!