SUCCESSFUL FLEDGE AT BRIARWOOD!

From hawkwatching and blogging Jeff Kollbrunner-- www.jknaturegallery.com/

Sunday, May 23rd

Donna,

Our remaining eyass has survived and fledged the nest at just the start of seven weeks of age. I believe most likely its a male based on size and the early fledge. The eyass fledged the nest prior to 10:30am est on Saturday May 22nd. It took a couple hours before I could gain access to the rooftop of the nest for a good vantage point to view the immediate area and quickly spotted our fledgling preening on a sixth floor ledge. The people at the building were exceptionally accommodating and went well out of their way to help out as weekend access is very difficult.

After dedicating four hours to make sure the fledgling was fine I was only home for thirty minutes when the fledgling got into some trouble yesterday late afternoon as it flew on top of a large spool of razor wire and was having difficulties. I was notified with a frantic call and immediately went back to the location for a potential rescue. Fortunately, as I was in transit back to the nest the parents Mama and Papa were observed swooping low over the fledgling a number of times as if to say "what are you thinking get off the razor wire!" and luckily it was able to free itself just prior to my arrival.

I have many images to post on my website from the last couple weeks and this weekend. I'm also asking viewers to submit names for the fledgling, we must remember it has been fortunate to have survived. One of its siblings was most likely predated and the second sibling perished from frounce about two weeks ago, so we need an appropriate name.

The fledgling had a good meal early this afternoon, we think probably the first food since its leaving the nest and for now its in a relatively safe location on a sixth floor roof.

Best, Jeff


Thanks Jeff, great news and good to know that Mama and Papa, experienced parents that they are, were on the job to keep junior out of trouble.

Also excellent to hear that the fledgling is on a roof. Roofs often having varied levels due to railings, stairwell sheds, water towers, pipes, and the like, seem to be the urban fledglings best substitute for the young rural hawks branching experiences.

Can't wait to see the photos.

D.B.