Thursday, June 3, 2010

How fast they grew; how much they changed

Here's a really interesting series of almost weekly Ustream screen captures from Karen McCunney that shows the phenomenal growth rate of these eyasses.

Mom with her three eggs on March 20, then both parents on April 22 with the newly hatched eyasses.



On May 6 - Mom is on the nest, and then the whole family gathers for a portrait plus the ever-present greenery!



The first picture is from May 24; feathers are growing in fast--- the second is from May 10 when you could barely make out the beginnings of the feathers.



Two days later on May 12, the feathers are more visible, and on May 15 feathers are appearing everywhere except for their heads.



From May 23 to May 27, the difference in size between the eyasses and their parents shrinks daily.



And yesterday, on June 2, Kay Meng's pictures show that the eyasses are now very close to their first flights from the nest


and are getting airborne as they move back and forth between the nest and the ledge.

13 comments:

  1. What a wonderful look back. We all needed that! It has been an incredible, amazing, journey enhanced so much by your blog entries and the photo shoots! You both brought so much to our appreciation of these incredible birds. What a blessing and gift. Thank you both so much! We are going to miss it all for a long time.

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  2. A family album:)
    Cathy

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  3. But it's not over yet! We will be following the hawks all over the city throughout the summer as they perfect their flying and hunting skills,and become independent from their parents. Lots more blogging to come!

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  4. I'm so greatful for all the pics you have posted , thanks so much from upstate NY

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  5. THIS HAS BEEN WONDERFUL. AS A FORMER BIOLOGY TEACHER I'VE ENJOYED THIS IMMENSELY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH

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  6. thank you so much! I have a hawk family in a tree right beside my driveway. Since I can't look down into the nest, it's been so nice to have your photos to compare to "my hawks"!! This has been a wonderful winter and spring & I hope we both have nests again next year!
    Kathryn

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  7. 4th grade at Hilltop Elementary in Aston is so excited to follow this feathered family. Thanx soooo much!

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  8. My students wish they could see the ledge to the left of the nest (from our viewpoint). Any chance of installing another camera?

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  9. I drove past today and could only see one of the eyasses
    from the street and he/she was flapping wings.
    Takes my breath away.

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  10. We haven't heard from John Blakeman for awhile, I would love to hear his thoughts on this years nesting compared to last years?

    Thanks Again for your Awesome Posts!!

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  11. Last year's nesting was very successful. This year looks even better. Because they are experienced now, the haggards have not made a single mistake.

    Red-tail nesting doesn't get any better than this. The eyasses are strong and active and will fledge well, it would seem. A model urban red-tail family.

    --John Blakeman

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  12. Thanks John!!
    It seems to be going so well this year, but your confirmation does put my mind at ease.

    Kathy

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  13. A most amazing, thrilling experience. Thanks to all the people who have made this possible. You are wonderful. The hawks are beautiful.

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