Confident Fliers

By D. Bruce YoltonSt. John/Columbia Red-tailed Hawks

My flight returned from Finland in time for me to spend the early evening up at Morningside Park.

One of the parents was on the Cathedral when I arrived around 7 p.m.
Donna Browne found one of the fledglings in a tree just inside the park, off Morningside Drive around 111th Street.
Donna Browne found one of the fledglings in a tree just inside the park, off Morningside Drive around 111th Street.
A fledgling with prey in its talons.
One fledgling protects the food from the other fledgling.
The behavior is playful and not at all aggressive.
Both fledglings are now confident fliers.  When I left for vacation the younger bird had trouble gaining altitude and stayed close to the cathedral.  They’re now much better fliers and have increased their range considerably.   

They’re growing up but it still looks like their parents are feeding them.  Hunting practice should begin soon. I’m also beginning to wonder when they’ll be venturing off to Central Park for a visit to the North Woods?