The past two days we have been had the treat of watching a pair of
immature RTHA. Both appear to be full-grown, and both can fly just fine.
But they spend most of the time at one perch or another, calling
plaintively for their parents to bring them some food. Both parents are
around, soaring, but largely ignoring their young. This morning one
"baby" was perched on the side of our lilypond, not more than 10 feet from
the kitchen window. It was watching the fish, and calling to "mom", but
it flew before I could get my camera. I'm fascinated by the cry these
young birds make, and their persistence. I heard one or both almost all
day long. I suspect "mom" is trying to get them to hunt for themselves,
but so far they show no signs of trying.

************************
Robert Cleland

Professor, Botany Dept. Box 355325
Univ. of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-5325
Phone (206) 543-6105; FAX (206) 685-1728