The dove and the sparrow

I had ten minutes downstairs. It's possible that a hatch is imminent. Hard to tell.  Dove parent absolutely recognizes me,.. or the glass of the lens.
 

In another corner the white throated sparrow was jabbering and eating seeds.  Without the sound I would have missed this small visitor.

Not too cold for this

It is cold downstairs, even colder yesterday, but that doesn't stop the body clock of the doves.They're back on the fuse box. Incubating. Hopefully the cold won't freeze them.

 

And there's a cluster of frenetic chickadees downstairs. I was using a different camera body, almost hopeless for birding. I'll continue with old gear.If it's not  busted I shouldn't change things.

A touch of color amidst the browns and greys. Lots of crocuses pushing up.

Lunch

Back garden.  I saw the juvenile cardinal on branch calling and kept fingers crossed that lunch would show up. Cardinals are wonderful parents.  This kid can most likely peck a little, but parent is there with food. I didn't move closer, because they both would have flown off. You can't make an appointment to see such a tender moment.
 

Small details

Waiting for birds. Got gorgeous bee instead.
 

Not all pigeons are drag gray.

and if they're grey they're fascinating when wet.

Young robin has to learn that twigs are not worms.

Berry fine food

 Female and male finches are in for the berries.

The male robin is in charge of food for fledglings. They're in different bushes.

It's dark and protected under the bushes.

Starling gulps the berries down.

Young redtail

The doorman buzzed early, "Come down. There's a hawk on the ground".  Grab camera and run. The tall artless deco building at 69th and Amsterdam is a bird hazard. Small migrating birds are routinely dead on the ground behind the building. Today's juvenile redtail hawk was luck, not injured, but confused as to how to get out of this space. Looking around, hopping, checking out corners. I'll resuce small birds, but never raptors.
 

Ranger Bob to the rescue. He checked wings, talons, mouth, bird's eyes. Healthy bird that will be taken care of then released, maybe in Central Park.  Gorgeous young hawk. Thank goodness for Ranger Bob