Take heed

"Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful."

-- Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

Easy skankin'

This was my favorite costume at this last weekend's Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade:



You can't go wrong with Bob Marley.

Previously.

See more Halloween Dog Parade photos, past and present, here.

Love thy neighbor

The Dominatrix is back in the 'hood

It was a wild afternoon in Tompkins Square Park when four red-tailed hawks descended near the chess tables and caused a ruckus. One chased a flock of pigeons, its piercing cry resounding over the park.

The bully turned out to be none other than our favorite female enforcer, the Dominatrix.



She's a mature female with beautiful tail feathers and dark broody eyes. I have a hard time photographing her as she seems to be perpetually in shadow.



She and a juvenile tussled in a tree before the younger hawk made off with a rat. I'm not sure if the hawk seen yesterday was among the group that was there today. The markings on the chest look different.





Stay tuned!

See more hawk photos here.

And more hawk videos here.

Previous hawk posts.

Hawk time!

What better way to end a Monday than with a visit from a red-tail in Tompkins Square. 

Hello!



Are you looking at meeeee?



Look deep into my eyes...



...and behold the prowess of this top predator.



See the hawk chilling on a fence near the park entrance:



Then showing off its catch (note the waggling rat tail):



See more hawk photos here.

Previously.

Birds of a feather

There could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison.

― Jane Austen, Persuasion

Escape from New York - Part 2

I'm fascinated by fire escapes.  For those of us living in cramped apartments without a terrace or yard, they provide the luxury of fresh air, sunshine and a bit of peace.  We can imagine ourselves alone, free from the stress within.

And, they're useful.

Fire escapes are a great place to read the paper...



Listen to music...



Catch up on emails...



Just remember to close the window after returning inside.  Danger is everywhere...



Previously.

See more fire escape photos here.

Deflated

This is my favorite lonely place.  When it rains, it can't help but be sad.  There is usually a discarded ball or toy, the absence of fun...



...and the following day:



Previously.

Hawk #30 strikes again

I noticed this tagged hawk a few days ago in Tompkins Square Park, and it reappeared today over 7th Street.  This is the first time I've seen a hawk catch and eat a squirrel.



 



I'm hoping this hawk sticks around for the winter.

Previously.

See more hawk photos here.

Paint it white