Red-tailed hawks have built a nest on a ledge at the Franklin Institute, overlooking the Parkway.







Dan has been watching them wheeling and soaring from his job on the Parkway. Then, he heard the news about the nest, and that the Franklin Institute has set up a camera inside the window so that we can all watch the hawk family live, online, whenever the sun is up.

We like to keep a window open on the computer so we can keep tabs on their comings and goings. Two days ago, there were two eggs. Sunday, we were out of town and missed the activities, but today, a THIRD egg is there.

A few minutes ago, I was watching the eggs while the feathers lining the nest flutter around, and cars roll by in the background. Then, I looked up, and there she was: the mama hawk. The mama and papa take turns sitting on the nest. (I can't tell them apart, but Dan can.) Dan and I take turns fretting over their well-being. When the eggs are uncovered, we check the temperature out and wonder if the eggs are warm enough, if the parents have been gone too long, etc.

I'm sure they will be fine, but I will fret for them just the same. I can't wait until the eggs hatch, and we can watch hawk chickies do their hawk chick thing. This is way, way better than the Discovery Channel, even.

[Edited to add the link to the webcam: http://www2.fi.edu/hawknest.php]

From: [identity profile] beneficentbeast.livejournal.com


Sweet! I fret over wild animals a lot too, though I'm sure mama and papa hawk know what they're doing :3

From: [identity profile] daphnep.livejournal.com


I "pet" their little heads, virtually, with my computer mouse.

Daddy just came to take over nestwarming duties, and I looked up just at the right moment to watch them check in with each other, and for mommy to fly away.

They share like that. They are so cool.

From: [identity profile] beneficentbeast.livejournal.com


Ah, I'm so jealous, I must have just missed it! It's rather addictive, I even like just watching the feathers shiver in the wind and the hawk's head moving XD

From: [identity profile] artemis77.livejournal.com


That is too cool!

(I got to hold an adult once when I volunteered at the wildlife rehab - what an amazing feeling. We were all in awe of the strength - and possibility for injury - when working with them.)

From: [identity profile] daphnep.livejournal.com


Know what else is cool? I can tell the mommy and the daddy apart by the white markings on their wings.

Mommy is there, now. (She's the one who spends the most time there.)

I lurve them.

From: [identity profile] artemis77.livejournal.com


You really have been watching them! I think this is a great diversion from Facebook (though I did post the link so I could share the awesomeness of it).

From: [identity profile] benlinus.livejournal.com


Awesome. I am forwarding this link to my ladyfriend. Neat.
.

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