New Year

Seems like a return to the starting point. The last of the fledglings of spring are totally independent by now. Resident raptors settle into their territories as they start to spar and court on the wind. Who knows what this year will bring, but its going to be a tall order to match the unbelievable production from around the city. Here's a few highlights from upper Manhattan over the past week.
A flyby by one of the Cathedral hawks,

Hedda Gobbler

Up in Inwood, those redtails are also highly visible over their turf.

The Broadway Bridge Peregrines also take notice.
While I was walking to the train, I saw a large flock of pigeons flyout from the El.
Right behind them was a young RTH, who must've flushed them from the structure.

Immediately the tercel flew out and stooped on the hawk, narrowly missing it, before pulling out right over head!

It then flew off towards Marble Hill, where I found it with its mate, who had already made a kill!


The female then flew off, with prey in tow, and landed right on the Bridge!


The male then flew out and attacked one of the Inwood Hill adults,

Heading home, I spotted the Cathedral male, atop the Horn of Gabriel!

I walked around to get a better view.

I also saw a big juvy Cooper's in a tree only about 30' from Bway Bridge. It saw me before I saw it and it was out of sight by the time I brought up my camera.
There were also these guys (and gal)!




Happy New Beginnings to us all!