Harried Hawks Have Heart

Despite the fact that so many hawks have died recently, there is still a steady supply of replacements to be found. Just where they come from remains a mystery, but what is sure is that fact that they will face an uncertain future. Despite the abundant food and open terrain, obstacles such as pollution, poison, and cars make their survival mostly a matter of luck. Some very experienced birds do seems to know how to navigate such dangers, but many of the new ones fail. One very experienced hawk is the female which claims the St. John the Divine nest. I caught up with her after taking a nest break whilst on St. Luke's Hospital.



Later at the Meer, I met up with one of her possible offspring.
Isolde's mate Norman, who was a replacement for Tristan who died in 2007, swung in and moved the youngster on in much the same fashion as the Peregrines.


Good luck to all the nesters in 2012!

Chased Away

Now that nesting season is in full swing, resident raptors assert control over their territory. Here a Riverside parents escorts last years juvenile out of the area.

The adult was making its "e-chuck, e-chuck!" And drove the youngster out.

They will also attempt to kill any Cooper's Hawk now found, as Cooper's will prey on young Peregrines if given a chance. This sub-adult was still lurking amongst the rooftops, trying to keep a low profile.

It lit out, trying to flush birds from their perches and almost got this Starling.

In level flight, an aware starling is very tough to catch...as the Cooper's swung around after missing, an unseen Kestrel gave him a swat for his effort.

Kestrel passing by Riverside Church.

Another Rooftop Kestrel

Had my camera ready when this salty male showed up on my roof.

I dont know who was more surprised to see who.

It was great fun watching him hunt along the rooflines of Harlem.

Also saw him get harrassed by some gulls...something Ive never witnessed before.

Recent Raptors

Lots of hungry raptors taking shots at the birds along Morningside Park. Here are a Merlin:

Im mean really, how stupid are pigeons?

Crows vs RTH

RTH vs Pigeons

Cooper's vs Starlings

Peregrine vs Pigeon

Peregrine Scrape

Kestrel Moon

Kestrel Nesting Season

Kestrel activity has been picking up quite a bit. Today I saw approximately 5 kestrels including a group of 3 that may be last years returning youngsters. The resident pair also showed up to display to the youngsters that the area was already claimed.

The juveniles spent as much time pursuing each other as they did the now paranoid starlings.




Looks like a promising start. Also had this mocker claiming my turf!