... and landing competently in trees, and on fences, lamp posts and window ledges.
The rounded surfaces of the lamp posts are still a challenge, but these two get A's for effort!
This morning, Carolyn Sutton and I watched as the eyasses flew from their “sleeping” trees in front of the Barnes site to the roof of the Philadelphia Free Library across 20th St. They were immediately joined by the tiercel who led them on an unsuccessful three-pronged hawk assault on the Logan Circle pigeon population at 19th and Vine.
The pigeons seemed recklessly unafraid of the hawks when they immediately lined up on the parapet roof of the Family Court Building right over the hungry predators perched just one ledge below.
The haggards are dropping food for them in many different spots, but the eyasses are now starting to hunt. They haven't actually caught anything yet, but several squirrels had close calls today. At one point, an eyass and both haggards zoomed in on the same squirrel who somehow avoided capture. The young hawks swoop down like stealth bombers, gliding along the ground with talons at the ready.
This eyass was watching a sparrow above it, and you can see its right talon just itching to make a grab.
Scott Kemper
Both haggards and at least one of the eyasses visited the nest this morning. The formel almost always arrives with sticks or fresh greenery - a sign of deep attachment and commitment to the nest. The haggards frequently hung out together today as they tended to their offsprings' flight training and feeding. When the eyasses had finally been fed to bursting, the haggards cleaned up some squirrel remains from the top of the Civil War monument, and then shared a small bird together.
Both haggards and at least one of the eyasses visited the nest this morning. The formel almost always arrives with sticks or fresh greenery - a sign of deep attachment and commitment to the nest. The haggards frequently hung out together today as they tended to their offsprings' flight training and feeding. When the eyasses had finally been fed to bursting, the haggards cleaned up some squirrel remains from the top of the Civil War monument, and then shared a small bird together.
Compared to the previous two sets of Franklin eyasses, the eyasses this year seem really advanced in their flying and hunting skills considering that they have only been fledged for one week. I asked John Blakeman why this might be, and he responded:
"The initial hunting behaviors of the Franklin Institute fledglings relate, I'm certain, to several cogent matters. First, and probably most important, they have been raised by an experienced pair of haggards. The formel and the tiercel have done this all before. No surprises for them. They were always several steps ahead of the developing eyasses, knowing exactly how they behaved and what they needed.
Secondly, and also very important, was the provision of ample food to both the sitting formel during ovulation and incubation, and also to all three eyasses on the nest. The weight of the injured eyass (#3), 1200 grams or so, indicates ample food. Many eyasses at this stage are only 1000 to 1100 grams. 1200 grams indicates very strong growth, resulting from ample food, with few or no periods of hunger or fasting.
Lastly, ample jump-flapping on the ledge before fledging also contributed to the flying prowess and eventual hunting successes of the two free-flying eyasses.
Everything for those two birds is in order, allowing them to start serious flying and hunting right away."
--John Blakeman
This eyass is totally at ease in its ever-expanding urban environment that includes the iconic One Liberty Place in the background.--John Blakeman
Posts
The pictures, the dialogue and the commentary from J. Blakeman.....wow there really aren't enough words... fantastic, awesome, beautiful, I am so grateful to be a part of this marvel of Nature. Janet Wlodek aka colibri57
ReplyDeleteRemarkable pictures!and kudos to Della and to John Blakeman.I've been a faithful follower long distance for three years and truly appreciate the dedication of all the contributers who keep us informed.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable photos. Stunning display of feathers in flight and in portraits.
ReplyDeleteWhen stopped for a red light last Friday, I saw one of the Hawks atop the southernmost Civil War stila on the Parkway. Very exciting, even though a distance away.
Looking forward to learning more about the injured eyass and hoping it gets to rejoin the others. If the formel is bringing new sticks and leaves to the nest, could she be awaiting the eyasses possible return?
Animals can surprise us.
Our photographers are becoming as experienced as our hawk parents! Their photographs keep getting better and better. Thanks for posting them, Della, and for your wonderful narratives.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThe photographs are amazing! Is there any way that someone can buy one? I'd love to have a copy of the one of the hawk walking on the fence. I'll continue to check this blog to see if the photographers are willing to sell their work.
A hawk fan in Colorado
Thanks for the marvelous photos and updates. There's a piece of information that confuses me. The eyasses are returning to the nest, and I've read elsewhere that John Blakeman says the nest is a nursery, not a home, and that eyasses don't return. I'd love a clarification of this at some point!
ReplyDeleteThe eyasses go back there to see if/when the parents have made a food drop, and also because it is a flat, easy spot on which to land in the middle of their ever expanding hunting/flying playground. They don't return in any permanent, homing sense.
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ReplyDeleteTo the hawk fan in Colorado - you asked about buying one of Scott Kemper's photographs. If you are on Facebook, join the Franklin Hawkaholics group, and Scott is linked there, and you can contact him.
ReplyDeleteIf you are not on Facebook, email me by clicking on my profile image or name, and I will put you in contact with Scott.
Della