We're still enjoying the antics of the red-tailed hawk fledglings in Tompkins Square Park. Fledgling #3, who was taken into rehab after an injury on July 27, is still getting care and will be released back into the park when the rehabbers are confident it is ready. Until then, the rest of the hawk family remains active in the area.
This is one of the older siblings.
This is the other one. The markings on their chests are slightly different.
I haven't been able to get a good photo recently of their tails fanned out, or that would be another way to identify the individuals.
This afternoon, I watched one fly back and forth across the central lawn, diving at mourning doves. When it missed, it would cry for the parents to feed it, but they are showing some tough love right now, and will only step in to provide food after the fledglings prove to be unsuccessful in their hunting attempts. Not to worry, though, as the parents will not let them starve.
Crying for food:
We're approaching the time when the young hawks will take off on their own. This usually happens after they are consistently successful at catching their own prey. From what I've seen the last few days, I think we'll be seeing them around a while longer.
And, of course, we have the return of Fledgling #3 to look forward to. Stay tuned...
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