So nice to see the young birds free of their nest and exploring the wider world.

As new flyers, the fledglings exaggerate their movements. Here in the midst of flailing feathers you can see the legs extended early and the intense concentration on the landing spot.

The father leads by example while the young hawk watches how it's done.

Beautiful unworn brand new flight feathers.

When I arrived and looked up toward the nest, the male swooped in with a gopher. The baby on the edge can only watch while its sibling gets the spoils.

The male keeps hunting, as if in a rhythm he's gotten accustomed too over these past weeks. Here he shows an elegant profile as he dives toward a gopher with aplomb.

Gopher secured, he gives it a once over before bringing it to the fledglings.

Lunch is on the way.

The prey tucked aerodynamically in place. Usually after catching prey, it dangles underneath, held away from the body during flight. But this time the hawk got a chance to settle down with the prey and make sure it was dead - so it has no aversion to securing it in this manner.

Another delivery consisted of a snake - at this point both kids had already eaten and were showing full crops, so the father opted to keep the snake for himself.

The new generation watching closely.

In Golden Gate Park a young Raven grows strong and smart - that he too may someday torment a hawk or two out of sheer boredom.

Up the California coast an Allen's Hummingbird floats by a flower.

Click the image to see this one in better detail.