June 4 --- It's Back to Mom, the 3 Hawklets, and (occasionally) Dad
Even though the re-uniting on June 1 looked successful, there's always that tiny, lingering element of doubt. Would Jen's siblings "resent" her taking some of Mom's attention away from them? Would Mom remember who she was? Are birds even capable of such "human" qualities as remembrance and resentment --- or have I been watching the R/T family just a wee bit too long? I can't vouch for my sanity, but I needn't have worried about Jen's acceptance back into the circle...
Read MoreI go up to the roof of the building opposite and get a closeup view of the nest for the last time. The window cleaners will be able to get the "whitewash" off in about a month's time (if they can; it's probably about as hard as concrete by now) but the nest should stay untouched. That way it will be ready for next year and only minor repairs should be needed for any damage that may occur. Red-tails use the same nest over and over again, and it has the 2 qualities that are most important --- easy access from above and an unimpeded view of the surrounding area. That roof overhang also acts as a nice rain cover.