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!

Rooftop Kestrel

This young female has been landing on my building for the past week. Finally managed to get some decent shots of her hunting the starlings on St. Nicholas Ave.



Hope she'll stick around!