Back to the Hood

Every once in a while I get to swing back into my old stomping grounds to check on the residents. Since no one blogs about the kestrels or peregrines of NYC I always make it a point to see how they are doing. Also on the list is the Cathedral of St. John hawks who have been going through their own trials and tribulations due to the presence of a new building taking shape right next to them. Their lone baby is visible and active and should be ready to get going in a few weeks. There was also a new crop of 4 young kestrels around Wadliegh! At Riverside, I managed to find both parents but signs of their brood were absent. If I had to look again, I would check the Church at around sunset. Last but not least was this sub-adult hawk stalking the nature trails of the North Woods.

Cathedral Couple Copulates Conspicuously!

Having looked over the past years blog entries, I knew that the Cathedral couple would be active around the nest, if in fact they were going to use the same location as previous years. After locating them on St. Luke's from my roof, I jetted over post-haste to see if the same nesting behavior could be observed. I found them both on a favored air-conditioner, where the male promptly took off!





He landed in a nearby tree,

where he wrestled off large branches in his powerful grasp!

Both he and Isolde gave me incredible looks as they ferried twigs to and from the nest!








This went on for some time, and a small crowd of awe-struck people witnessed the spectacle of the two grand animals making low passes!




The Cooper's that Rbs has been tracking, briefly joined the action.

Hawk Shadow!

What do you get when you cross a stick and a hawk?


Each bird made about 3 sorties to the nest, spending a good amount of time there...


The female finally flew out and landed in the St. Luke's yard...


at which point the male flew over,

and did what Nature has so inclined these Hawks to do!




They were both off then, out hunting over Morningside. Good luck to you and all the nesting NYC Raptors! Let's hope the Cathedral is a bit more accomodating this year, giving you the space you need and site free of potential contamination!

Recent Raptor Roundup: Part 2

The situation at the Cathedral is looking more hopeful. The chicks continue to pack on the pounds, while the parents continue their vigil. I found both chicks up in the nest, currently in that awkward half-baby/half-adolescent stage. Note, their orangey breasts are clearly visible now.

I had wondered if a new father would have some impact on this trait, but clearly it hasnt.

I found the mother on a familiar post, overlooking the nest.

While scanning the Cathedral yard, I also spotted this tree...

Holy woodpeckers, Batman!

Squirrel in repose.
Next, the female flew into the scaffolding next to the nest.

It offered her some shade from the relentless sun. She assumed the "hot hawk" pose.

Suddenly, I saw her raise her hackles and recoil!

Could it be that pesky kestrel?

Nope. Surprisingly, a huge osprey floated in, seemingly out of nowhere!


On it's first pass, it was only about 50' over the Cathedral. It then circled a few times and then flew out high to the south.

And yes, sometimes loving these birds is a heavy burden.

Frought with disappointment in our inability to harmonize with such a noble animal, and frustration in our lack of understanding.

But knowledge and art will always be the keys which unlock the ignorance which confronts them on a daily basis.