Click to enlarge. (c) Greg Saulmon 2013

After spending most of the morning on a bridge over the canal, yesterday’s fledgling decided to spend the rest of a lazy Sunday afternoon and evening around the nesting platform with the other two siblings.

Click to enlarge. (c) Greg Saulmon 2013

The fact that the fledgling managed to fly back up to the nest means that it’s already beginning to master the art of gaining altitude — a concept that eludes some hawks during their early flying sessions.

The remaining two siblings seem ready to go, taking turns curling their toes around the edge of the platform and flapping furiously. Several times I was sure I was going to see a fledge, but all stayed on the nest — at least until twilight, when I finally called it a day.

The adult hawks were frequent visitors to the nest this evening, tending to the chicks and taking turns doing aerial acrobatics around the building.

It won’t be easy going back to work Monday knowing that I’ll likely miss the next big moments in these young hawk’s lives.

On another note: I spotted a Cedar Waxwing in Heritage State Park for the first time this year. I hadn’t visited the park in a few weeks, and I have a nagging feeling that I’ve missed some new arrivals.