The first time the red hawk, now known as Pale Male, was spotted in Central, was in 1991. Since then he has become part of the city and part of springtime as it has become quite an event for bird lovers, and the general public, to sit in wait of the hatching eggs of his offspring. The nests watched every so closely via binoculars, are atop a fifth avenue apartment. Originally driven from the trees almost 20 years ago by the crows, the nesting spot is now protected by the housing cooperative, a very upscale location. Pale Male found a mate one year after settling in, and in 1992 the pair became the focus of birdwatchers all over the country. Three of their chicks did hatch, and so far was known at the time, two did end up venturing out and continuing to live in Central Park. A few years later, his mate died, and Pale Male settled in with Blue.
Blue lived for about 8 years, and it is assumed she died as she disappeared in 2001. However, from the windows of the 4 star hotels of New York, many witnessed as eleven chicks were hatched and grew to adulthood in the Central Park. Quite a controversy began in 2004, when the spikes meant to deter pigeons from nesting were removed from the buildings ledges. These spikes anchored the nest. The National Audubon Society proposed plans to re-install the spikes providing the structure necessary to hold the nests securely to the side of the building. And while the hawks continue to nest in their refurbished home, no new eggs have hatched since the disturbance of their original nest. The couple still draw an audience however, sitting in wait in Central Park of the glimpse of perhaps some hope and new life.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.