Each day brings the Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk chicks closer to fledging the nest. They are now exploring the branches of their nest tree and are getting ready to take that big leap.
To recap the last several days:
May 29: M2 visits the nest and you can see the chicks still have a lot of white down on their heads.
June 2: The chicks have grown significantly taller and have a peachy color on their chests. Their wing feathers are nearly fully grown.
June 3: At least one of the chicks still has a fuzzy face.
This was the first time I saw one of the chicks branching. This one is perched on a branch just above the nest.
June 6: One of the chicks takes in the view from a higher branch.
June 8: The day was dark and dreary, but the chicks spent some time jumping around the nest, flapping their wings, and getting some exercise.
June 10: This was the first time I saw all three chicks venture out of the nest to explore the tree. Two are pictured here.
This one is looking very serious!
One of the other siblings:
After hopping around the tree for a while, all three chicks returned to the nest for a family dinner. M2 (left) delivered food while Amelia (center) fed the kids. One of the chicks is visible here, while the other two are hidden behind the parents.
Physically, the chicks look ready to go, so it's up to them to decide when they're ready.
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