Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Tompkins Square red-tail chicks are growing up fast

The Tompkins Square Park red-tailed hawk chicks are growing and changing rapidly. Their appearance has changed a lot in the last week, going from fuzzy white nestlings to 'tween' chicks with dark brown wings and tails. The older two are sporting brown heads now, while the youngest still retains a downy face.

This video was taken May 24 and shows the difference between the youngest (in front with the white head) and one of the older siblings. Mom Amelia supervises.


Amelia with two of the chicks:





Later in the day, the parents switched places. The photo below shows Christo in the nest and Amelia coming in for a landing.


After taking the family's lunch order, Christo took off and returned with a bird.



The nest was a little crowded for everyone, and Christo didn't have room to fold back his wings. He got stuck for a few minutes with them hanging over the sides of the nest.


All five hawk heads are visible in this photo if you look close.



Christo is in the front, Amelia is behind him and two chicks are there. The third one is hidden behind the crowd.



Everyone watches dad leave the nest.



These photos are from May 25. 



The youngest is on the left and one of the older chicks is on the right. 


As of this week, two of the chicks have begun branching and exploring the nest tree. More to come...

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