Red-tails of Alewife Update, May 31: Larry Takes First Leap then Fledges!!!
Just in: Larry flew on top of Circle Furniture and then onto Dunkin Donuts at about 6:00 this morming, May 31, 2010. I just got the call and I'm going down. Photos and hopefully videos to follow. The following is what happened yesterday!
On May 30, 2010 at about 12:00 PM, Larry unexpectedly leaped up to the window ledge just above the nest as startled siblings, Lucky and Lucy, look on. Though Lucey is bigger, normal for a raptor female, males typically fly first. This photo was taken by landscape photographer, Craig Stanfill of Lincoln, MA, on his first visit to see the Red-tailed Hawks that nest on the 7th floor of 185 Alewife Brook Parkway across from the Fresh Pond Mall. This event in the fledging process is called "branching" as it usually occurs when nestlings in trees jump to near-by branches. This is an important step leading to a full fledged flight. Come down as all three chicks will be testing there wings any moment. Get on my email list and be updated with the latest news. Email Ernie at info@theexpertseries.TV and see my Community Access TV station videos at: www.TheExpertSeries.TV
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I just want to thankyou for the updates on this hawks...I drive by everyday from the west and is a long commute, no time to stop....just a quick glance. I love the birds and I love your photos and all that you share......thankyou again!!!! please keep the vigil for those like me that can't...
LP
Staying away from fledging chicks is the best thing - and keeping other people, cars, etc. out of the way.
To night around 6-6:30 one of the chicks fell. He pulled himself together and flew on a car(poor little thing was frightened)----he sat there for awhile then flew to Trader Joes>missed the roof and fell to the awning. He hung around there for awhile spreading his wings as though he was practicing flying. Then this brave little (not so little) baby flew to the roof of CVS, rested awhile then flew to the roof of apartments behind CVS. This whole time one of his parents was on the big CVS sign watching. There was a police officer there that was very caring and tried to keep the crowd away from the chick. Many people were trying to help, but honestly what could one do except watch and hope this baby to get out of the mess he was in. My question is how could his parents help him, how would they guide him home, or do they abandon the baby?