Eyas!

May 25, 2011 
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When Nathan and I were checking on the cows last week we could see that their were chicks in the hawk nest.  I don’t know when they hatched but since they were big enough to climb to the edge of the nest where we could see them I would guess that they were not newly hatched.  Of course I didn’t have the camera and since then every time I have been out to the tree they have been cuddled down in the nest where I couldn’t see them.  Yesterday I once again forgot my camera but when I saw them out I had to go back and get it so I could get some pictures.

Right when I walked up the female hawk (I’m guessing here since I’ve only ever seen one around the nest) flew off with two small birds chasing her.  According to what I looked up they prey on smaller birds so I suppose it is much like the mocking birds in our yard attacking our cat.  I wonder if the small birds have nests close by the hawk nest since they attack her on the nest.

When I got back with the camera the hawk chicks (eyas) were still hanging out on the edge of the nest.  This is where I really wish I knew something about photography because I know a photographer could have gotten some really great pictures.  I’m still happy with mine but me and my camera can only do so much.

I especially love this picture when this one testing out her wings.  I wish it was more clear but trying to take a picture with Ada in her sling bouncing under my hands does not make for the easiest or clearest pictures.

I don’t know anything about birds so I couldn’t get over how fuzzy these guys look!  They look like they are wearing pantaloons or something and are so awkward and regal all at the same time.  For some reason they remind me of a little boy dressed in a tux.   They seem so cute and cuddly but knowing that their beaks could probably tear my fingers off, I’ll keep my distance.

After posing for me they settled back down into their nest.

I hope to keep getting pictures as they learn to fly, hopefully without Ada’s help.