I risked heat stroke on Thursday and ventured out into the oppressive summer heat to find the Tompkins Square red-tailed fledgling and make sure it was doing all right. Thankfully, I found it quickly and observed it as it rested in the shade. The hawk was alert and looked just fine.
When the hawks are hot, they let their wings pop out a little bit as they perch, catching the breeze.
This pose reminded me of one of the fledglings from 2021 who also let their wings hang out on a sultry summer day:
This hot time of year is when the adult hawks are in peak molt. Wednesday evening, I found Christo perched on the cross of St Nicholas of Myra, looking ragged and pale. This is normal for him.
He stretched a few times, sticking his leg out and fanning his tail. I think he currently has six or seven tail feathers, so he has shed about half of them. When he grows his new feathers, he'll have twelve in his tail.
Who is this ghostly creature?
This is how Christo normally looks:
Here are some closer looks at Christo's current rugged plumage.
A few days ago, I caught him doing something I've seen other hawks do, but never him until now...
Christo flew to a west-facing roof and proceeded to take an extended sunbath, spreading out his wings and tail.
There had been a heavy thunderstorm about a half hour before, so Christo was drenched. He spent some time preening his feathers, then laid out in the sun like this for about 15 minutes. The sweltering humidity was unbearable for me, but he must have enjoyed it.
Finally, Amelia looking beautiful at sunset.
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