Checking out the hot young chicks

It is amazing how fast the hawks have matured. When I left monday before last they were still mostly white with variegated dark speckles like appaloosas or chocolate chip ice cream. Now they are mostly brown and quite large.

I rushed to my site overlooking the nest this morning to make sure that the condor hadn't nailed any of these defenseless birds. I don't think a red tailed hawk could hold its own against the large bird. Thankfully all three were present and accounted for. Shortly after I stopped, mother flew back into the now crowded nest.