The last week has been some of the most awesome bird watching to date.
On Monday the resident peregrines launched a sustained attack on the over-wintering juvenile Cooper's hawk. They wheeled over and over as the falcons took turns driving the Coopers down amongst the brownstones, nearly killing it. This is a sure sign they are nesting.
On Tuesday the Cooper's re-appeared over St. Nicholas Park, only to be attacked by the over wintering Merlin and then resident redtailed hawks.
On Wednesday, the resident kestrels appeared after a long absence. Mating over Manhattan Ave., they have re-chosen their former nesting spot.
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On Thursday I witness both the CCNY hawks and the Cathedral Hawks mating (separately). In one incredible encounter, all 4 adult hawks were mixing it up over St. Nicholas Park!
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The males jousted on the strong winds, displaying an agility rarely seen.
Now that that's been settled, lets get on with the business of nesting.