Checking in on the Tompkins Square hawk family

As I noted a couple of weeks ago, Tompkins Square red-tailed hawks, Amelia and M2, have had 3 chicks. Their nest is in a different tree this year and is difficult to see, but here is a tease of some chick pics to come:

In the photo above, the three nestlings are sitting up while Amelia feeds the middle one. I'm hoping they will be easier to see as they get bigger, otherwise we'll just have to wait until they fledge the nest. The photo above was taken from about two blocks away and is heavily cropped.

 

This photo, taken on May 1, shows M2 and Amelia on the nest. The tree has since grown a lot more leaves.

To date, the family appears to be doing well. M2 brings in regular meals and Amelia feeds the chicks. Christo used to participate in feeding the chicks, but M2 has a different style and, so far, is dedicated to hunting. It will be interesting to see how he handles his dad duties once the chicks fledge.

 

Meanwhile, the hawk parents are sticking close to home, and can be seen taking breaks to eat and bathe. Below, Amelia and M2 take a dip in the gutter of St Brigid's church on a warm day.

Amelia only stays a few minutes before heading back to the nest.

M2's bath is interrupted when he spots some pigeons across the street.

Whereas Christo specialized in catching rats, M2 is the master of catching birds. He always seems to be hunting, so he took off to pursue the pigeons.

I've had a challenging time photographing M2 as he's always on the move. I was spoiled by Christo who spent so much time down in the park, perching low on fences and benches. Since M2 primarily hunts birds, he spends more time up high cruising rooftops around the park. One day, I was happy he spent an extended period of time perched in a tree where I could get a good look at him.

One evening, I caught him having some dinner in a tree near 10th Street.

Note his bright white eyebrows.

This is M2 after he caught a pigeon on the roof of St Brigid's. He paused just long enough for me to take one photo. Note his bright yellow eyes, indicating his young age. For now, they are a good way to identify him, as Amelia has dark brown eyes (she's also larger).

More to come...