More close encounters with hawks

Following the previous post where one of the Tompkins Square hawk fledglings didn't seem to mind being close to people, here is another example.

This hawk had been playing in a fenced-in area as observers watched from behind the fences and benches. Suddenly, the hawk decided to perch on the back of a bench, just a couple of feet away from the closest observers.

Not sure what to do, the people who were standing there remained in place. I was actually much further away, and took all of these photos with a 400mm zoom lens, and the photos are cropped.

After a couple of minutes, the hawk took off.

To the sprinkler!

This was a really hot day and one of the fledglings took advantage of the playground sprinkler along Avenue A. It hopped around, playing with sticks and leaves.

Later, the hawk did a little gardening.

This photo was taken the morning after part of the elm tree by the chess tables came down in a storm.

Squirrels ran around within the broken limbs, and this fledgling couldn't quite work out how to catch any of them.

 

Two of the three fledglings briefly teamed up to strategize catching those squirrels...

One of the hawks eventually took off, but the other remained and played around on the fence.

I thought the hawk was going to fly past me...

...but it just got closer! My camera lost focus after this shot as the hawk landed on the bench and I had to back away.

These young hawks have been such a joy this season. They've been full of energy despite the oppressive heat and humidity, and have brought a lot of happiness to a lot of people.

Moe to come...

Up close and personal with the Tompkins Square hawk fledglings

The unique thing about observing urban hawks is how we can have so many close and personal views of them. Hawks born here in the city begin life with a higher tolerance for humans than those who live in more rural and wild areas. I always have to remind myself that scenes such as the one below are not common and I am really spoiled by being able to enjoy this on a regular basis.

On this particular morning, the Tompkins Square hawk fledglings kept surprising people by swooping over heads and landing on fences and benches.

I love it when people are surprised and thrilled to see an unexpected hawk in their path.

Many people don't even notice the large bird blending into the background in plain sight.

Ooo, those pesky elusive squirrels!

Early one morning, this fledgling dropped down to a puddle in front of a bench where people were sitting.

And took a bath!

Note the dog on a leash. The dog and its person were already standing there when the hawk landed. The dog owner stood still and kept the leash short, and the dog was curious, but did not bark or lunge after the bird. The dog was probably just as surprised as everyone else.

Everyone in the immediate area was respectful and didn't move as the hawk continued with its morning bath. Why it didn't choose to use the nearby playground sprinkler instead, which is in a safer, fenced-in area, is anybody's guess.

Done with the bath, it was time to dry off.

I thought the hawk would fly away, but nope, it decided to join everyone on the bench. After a few seconds, it did hop up to a fence.

Although it's great these hawks have very little fear of people, it is a big concern for me that they could get themselves into trouble. The park is mostly a safe environment for them, but the world outside the park is full of many dangers. We can only hope that these young hawks have the street smarts to stay safe.

More to come...

What's a better breakfast - rodent or banana?

Good morning from the main lawn of Tompkins Square Park!

The hawk above had been playing on the lawn until someone let their unleashed dog spoil the fun. After the dog arrived, the hawk flew into the trees.

Earlier that same morning, the fledgling played around with the construction netting at the bathrooms.

Suddenly, the hawk took off and swooped across the skateboard area where it landed under a bench and pulled up what I thought was prey...

...but it turned out to be a banana!

Not satisfied with old fruit, the hawk went looking for better breakfast options.

The fledgling swooped back across the play area and came up with a rodent. I'm not sure if it's a large mouse or small rat.

It didn't take long to eat its small meal.

The snack was just enough to provide some energy to go exploring.

Later in the day, one of the hawks (I don't know if it was the same one as above) caught a pigeon and took it to a tree to eat. One of the resident squirrels just had to get a closer look.

To my knowledge, the young hawks have still not been able to catch a squirrel, but the squirrels should definitely be on their guard.

More to come...