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...
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