The healthy Fifth Avenue fledgling, that has so far escaped eating a poisoned rodent, has become an excellent hunter and is exploring further and further.

Today, thanks to fellow hawk watchers, I caught up with the youngster just north of “The Yard”, the equipment depot for the park at 79th Street on the western side of the park.  After a patient wait, the hawk caught a rat and then flew across the West Drive to a tree just north of the Swedish Cottage to eat. 

The video and pictures have lots of eating, so if this bothers you feel free to skip this post.  Also, the panting and spread wings are normal for any hawk trying to stay cool on a hot, summer day.