First, a quick update on the Tompkins Square red-tailed hawk fledgling who passed away earlier this week: the hawk has been sent to the DEC for a necropsy, so I hope we're able to get an answer to the cause of death.
Until then, here are some happier photos of some immature Bald Eagles I encountered this last spring. These two appeared to be siblings, chasing each other around and play-fighting in the air.
One of them decided to get a closer look at me and flew my way.
The eagles played around for at least an hour, making for a thrilling afternoon. I've never had an experience with wild eagles like that before.
This is a different immature eagle perched in a wetland area.
After resting in a dead tree for a while, it took off to a distant field.
Here is another immature eagle perched in a tree along with a Fish Crow.
I was waiting in a field hoping to get a glimpse of owls as the sun went down. No owls appeared, but another immature eagle showed up, so I was happy to see at least one raptor.
Off into the sunset...
