Monday, July 21, 2025

Fledgling hawk does some gardening, explores more buildings

Greetings from Tompkins Square where this season's Red-Tailed Hawk fledglings are mastering their hunting and flying skills. They've developed a lot of confidence and seem at ease in their environment.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

This fledgling, after failing to catch squirrels, decided to go after some easier prey: plants.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

If park gardeners are wondering who keeps pulling up the flowers, it could be the work of this hawk, who just had to rip a particular plant out of the ground. It was amusing to watch, but also good practice for using those talons.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

After tearing up plants, it was time to run around. I love when they do this as they look so goofy.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

This hawk landed on the little dead umbrella tree across from the men's restroom and posed for quite a while, allowing people to take photos. 

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

Sadly, this little tree has since been dug up and removed. I'm hoping it's replaced with something just as pretty.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

This hawk paid a visit to the big elm tree by the chess tables.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

This tree lost a big limb earlier in the year, leaving a flat area where that part of the tree was cut. This has become a favorite perching place for the hawks.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

This fledgling climbed around in the tree for a while before flying to the buildings along 7th Street.
 
Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

After taking in the view from a rooftop, the hawk flew east along the street and disappeared behind St Brigid's church.

Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling.

The hawks are quickly expanding their world, but at least two of them are still playing around within the park. Each moment with them feels more special than the last.

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