The Birds of Ecuador, Part 2: Raptors

So many birds breeds a ubiquitous crop of birds that eat birds. Here are some of the highlights. The omnipresent roadside hawk, the striking laughing falcon, the female Bat Falcon. The Collared Forest Falcon, The Great Black Hawk vs the Collared Forest Falcon, Last, smallest but never least. The Cloud Forest Pygmy Owl. The also have tons of Black and Turkey Vultures.

125th St. Raptors!

As winter progresses, the resident raptors are now displaying more territorial behavior. Courtship displays can be seen high over Morningside, with hawks, peregrines and redtails all sharing the same airspace. On Sunday I witnessed the Cathedral Pair courting on the stiff wind, and then an aborted copulation attempt!



After this attempt, the female flew north, slicing right past me!

Much to my surprise, she continued waay, waay north, where I lost her over Drew Hamilton.

In her wake, a juvy RTH made a move on some pigeons roosting on the Apollo.

Later on the Riverside Peregrine Pair paid me a visit...wheeling high overhead!



Last but not least, this Turkey Vulture, slicing in from the North!

Still Chillin'

After Friday's ice storm, I have been reluctant to venture out to check out any bird action. I went out for a few hours yesterday and today, but the biting wind and sloshy conditions make for some discomfort. Here's a selection of some scenes from around the nabe.
The kestrels from my hood.


A Harlem Hawk



Two low Turkey Vultures.

The St. John the Divine female, sitting low in her nest!

And the city's park life coping just fine.

Must clean elbow!

Pigeons in snow.