Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Tompkins Square hawk chicks getting ready for fledge time

It's almost time for the Tompkins Square hawk chicks to fledge the nest. All three appear to be doing well, having been fed and cared for by parents, Amelia and Christo, for the last several weeks. 

Below are some recent highlights showing the transformation from fuzzy nestlings to "tween" juveniles.

May 13:  The chicks are still mostly downy white with their brown flight feathers starting to grow in.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk nestling.

Here's a nice look at those pin feathers on the wings.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chick spreading its wings.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chick flapping its wings.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chicks.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chicks.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chicks.

More practice flaps:

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chick showing some pin feathers.

Here is a view of the pin feathers from the upper side of the wing.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chick showing some pin feathers.

Mom Amelia (right) tends to the three chicks.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chicks with mom Amelia.

May 14:

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chick.

This photo shows the youngest in front with the two older siblings behind it. The youngest is still primarily white while the other two are showing much more brown in their feathers.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chicks.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chicks.

May 16:  The white down is quickly being replaced by brown flight feathers on the wings.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chicks.

May 21:  This chick is showing the peachy color on the chest as well as a dark belly band.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chick.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chicks.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chicks.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chicks.

May 23:  Note the brown feathers growing in on the head and the length of the primary feathers on the wings.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chick.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chick.

The photo below shows the youngest in front with the white head, and the two older chicks whose heads are turning brown.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chicks.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chick.

Fledge time is soon and, as always, if you see a hawk on the ground, it's likely a fledgling exploring its environment. Keep dogs out of the lawns and planted areas as the hawks will still be learning to fly.

If you suspect a hawk is in distress, call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers, who can provide guidance on steps to take. Please do not attempt to approach or interfere with the hawks.

Friday, May 24, 2024

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

2024 Dance Parade

Another year, another fantastic Dance Parade in the East Village!

We set up on St Mark's Place this last Saturday to take in the spectacle and enjoyed every minute. Below are some highlights, including a video. Many more photos can be seen on my Flickr page, which is linked at the end of the post. 

Smiles all around!

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

2024 Dance Parade

Here is a video of one of the groups doing their routine. I especially love the spectator who joins in around the 2:00 mark.

See many more photos from the 2024 Dance Parade on my Flickr page

Previously: