After a fruitless trip to find Showy Lady’s Slippers this morning, I stopped by the Redtail Hawk nest in Ithaca. It’s been five days since I saw them, and the change is dramatic.

First, the chicks seem to be getting more demonstrative.  This chick seems to be giving the adult some demand in full voice.

The adult did not stay very long.

I noted two changes today.  First, the chicks are now have the strength to break open the Chipmunks without the aid of an adult.  That shows considerable progress.  Second, they are testing their wings frequently.

I am wondering how many more weeks before they take flight.  Likely, it will be a surprise.

All photos used a Nikon D800 with 400 mm lens and 1.4 multiplier.  Shot at ISO 1600 using aperture priority at f/8.  Noise reduction done in LR4.

Paul Schmitt