Monday, September 30, 2013

Killing spree

This tagged hawk put on a show in Tompkins Square Park this last Friday.

 Tagged hawk with rat

It first caught a rat (above), which it discarded without eating.  A few minutes later, it wrestled with a pigeon on the ground, but lost it.  Then, it flew across the park and killed another pigeon, but abandoned the body.  The hawk seemed more interested in hunting than eating, so perhaps it was just practicing?

Tagged hawk in Tompkins Square Park

The ankle tag read '#30' so if anyone has any information on this bird, please let me know.

Tagged hawk in Tompkins Square Park 

Previously.

See more hawk photos here.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Farewell, Jewels

Tompkins Square Park

The first time I encountered him, he was standing in the middle of Avenue A, defying traffic and screaming with his pants down.

The last time I saw him, a few days ago, he was sitting quietly on the sidewalk of St Mark's Place, looking thoughtful and vulnerable.

My favorite memory of him is at the protest of the Guggenheim Lab space on 1st St and 2nd Ave in August 2011.  He was sober then and, under the watchful and observant eye of Bob Arihood, he read an absolutely beautiful and eloquent poem that stunned the crowd into silence.

Jewels was always nice to me, ready with a compliment on my dress, hair, shoes....and I enjoyed him most when he was most free and wild, howling with delight.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Farewell to the dark side

I loved the "dark side" of Odessa and was sorry to see it close this last weekend.  On a Friday or Saturday night, it was a haven amidst the mayhem of Avenue A. 

Goodbye Odessa

This last St Patrick's Day, I sat quietly at the bar and watched the snow fall all afternoon.  For me, that was heaven.

Odessa

I enjoyed the casual cozy atmosphere - snug and warm in winter, dark and cool in summer.

Odessa 

I liked to go in when Leo was working.  He played the best funkadelic music and mixed a mean greyhound.

Last call at Odessa

The crazy decor...

Odessa

And, yes, the FOOD.  Say hello to the chicken parmesan, big enough to share and take home.

Odessa

Here's to another memory.


See more Odessa photos here.