Here are a few recent cold-weather bird observations from around the city, from tiny little guys, to ducks, to raptors.
Join us as we chronicle the lives of East Village red-tailed hawks, Christo, Amelia, and Dora, as well as other New York City wildlife.
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Winter birds around town
Hooded merganser (female):
American wigeon (male and female):
Wood duck (eclipse male):
American kestrel (male):
Female kestrel:
Northern harrier (female):
Male harrier:
Bald eagles have been in the news recently for being seen more frequently around New York and New Jersey. You can check out this live eagle cam in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, which currently has two eggs in it.
Friday, January 20, 2023
Winter Red-tailed and Cooper's hawks
Winter is my favorite time to observe raptors. For one thing, they're easier to spot when all the leaves are off the trees. And, there are usually many immature birds around that are still learning to hunt and survive, and they can be a joy to watch.
Here are some of my recent favorites.
Immature red-tailed hawk:
Even the angels say, "Look up!"
This is an adult pair of red-tails on Governors Island (male above, female below).
When the moon is visible during the day, it's worth trying to line yourself up with a hawk perch. This happens more than you might think! For example, here is Amelia in Tompkins Square, and Christo perched on St Brigid's church, and Amelia on St Nicholas of Myra, all with the moon visible behind them.
The hawk pair in the photo above stayed in place just long enough for the moon to rise, then they both took off a few seconds later.
Another adult red-tail:
Another adult red-tail hanging out with a Blue Jay.
I love how birds fluff up when it's cold.
This is an adult Cooper's hawk checking us out on a dark and dreary winter day.
Here is an immature Cooper's resting after apparently eating a big meal - check out that bulging crop.
As the hawk rested, an American Crow visited the tree to casually eat some buds. I had the feeling the crow was being a little passive-aggressive and taunting the hawk, but nothing happened. The crow kept an eye one the hawk, the hawk ignored the crow, and all remained peaceful.
One last adult Cooper's hawk:
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Welcome to 2023, Christo and Amelia!
We're starting the new year right with red-tailed hawks, Christo and Amelia, in Tompkins Square Park. I've been seeing them daily and never get tired of seeing them hanging out together.
Christo and Amelia.
They've been keeping a close watch on their territory as there are still other migrating hawks around.
Amelia and Christo.
Amelia and Christo.
Earlier in the week, the pair was acting a little agitated, flying around together and vocalizing. Christo took up his spot on the roof of the Christodora building and looked back over the park.
It turns out he was watching this young Cooper's hawk as it stalked starlings in a tree.
It didn't sit still long, as both red-tails flew toward it and the Cooper's was forced to leave.
After driving out the intruder, Amelia took up her perch on the cross of St Nicholas of Myra church on Avenue A.
Another day, same cross:
This is Amelia on taking off from St Brigid's church on Avenue B on a dreary afternoon.
And this is Christo taking off from his flag pole.
He dove right over me and caught a rat in some bushes. After taking it to a nearby tree, he quickly gulped it down in 2-3 bites, then flew off to roost for the night.
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