The late afternoon at Riverside Park was crowded with inexperienced birders who harassed the birds by being too noisy, too close or acting like paparazzi.
These birds need to be given room to grow up without intentional or careless intervention. Nature knows what it’s doing. Let it work.
The fledglings were very active, as were their parents on Sunday morning. Food was brought by both parents One of the fledglings is a capable flier, while its sibling is still more a an advanced brancher.
It was happy to be back at the nest, although it was a difficult day, as I was asked “Where is the third baby” about twenty times. I had to relay the bad news and console too many people today.
One of the three fledgling died after being hit by traffic. The fledgling was found dead with a rat in its tallons, possibly its first kill and may have misjudged flying with the added weight. The hawk's body was recovered by the Urban Park Rangers, who are sending it to the DOH for testing.
I've gotten reports that all three Riverside eyasses have fledged. They're doing fine by all reports. I'll be back on Sunday.
I'm in Avignon getting ready to start a bike trip in Provence.
The brancher, came off the nest for a few hours today. The time off the nest included some time on the ground. It then returned to the nest in the mid-afternoon and took a nap!
I suspect the weekend will be full of fun activities. Please be careful around the fledglings. I saw many birders get too close to the fledgling. As calm as a fledgling may look, they’re easily spooked. Once startled, they don’t have enough experience or flying ability to go to a safe, high spot. They can easily end up in a bike path or road.
The general precautions include:
I’m flying off to Paris tonight. I can’t wait to come back next week and see how our youngsters are doing. Please feel free to email me your observations while I’m away.
