Merlin Eating
The Merlin that has been hanging around the Great Lawn this December, was eating what looked like a Tufted Titmouse this afternoon. It was fun to watch it fan its tail to help keep its balance while eating.
Category: Eagles, Falcons, Hawks and Osprey
Evodia Feeders Indirectly Feed A Cooper’s Hawk
Located in Central Park’s Ramble, the Evodia Field has the only sanctioned bird feeders in the park. They are supported by great volunteers. Indirectly, they end up feeding one or two Cooper’s Hawks who enjoy the buffet of sparrows and similarly sized birds during the winter. One young Cooper’s Hawk in particular is enjoying the easy pickings this Fall.
Great Lawn Merlin
A Merlin, an medium sized Falcon, has been hanging around the Great Lawn for about a week. It seems to have a lot of enemies. It was hassled by an American Kestrel, a Red-tailed Hawk and some Blue Jays all within a few minutes while I was watching it.
Barred Owl And A Cooper’s Hawk
On Saturday, at dusk those watching the Barred Owl got a special treat. A Cooper’s Hawk came in and harassed the Barred Owl. There was calling by both birds, which included the strange Cooper’s Hawk sounds. After this the Barred Owl went to a low branch giving everyone great looks.
The Barred Owl watchers were well behaved and kept quiet. All of a sudden we and the owl heard loud clapping. It turns out that while we were looking at the owl, an Italian couple got engaged! It is Central Park not a nature preserve, so other things do happen!
The fun continued as the Barred Owl flew to an Oak Tree and went after squirrels. It didn’t seem to get them, but they are in its view all day so I guess it’s worth a try. I’ve seen a Great Horned Owl exhibit similar behavior. So, just when I think I understand the fly out behavior, the owl or in this case a Cooper’s Hawk mixes things up.
Pale Male and a Cooper’s Hawk
I caught up with Pale Male just north of the Obelisk on Sunday, and then a young Cooper’s Hawk eating a bird a bit further north. Nice to see that are starting to get some visiting raptors to the park.
Cooper’s Hawk, Octavia and Pale Male
Hints of spring are in the air. The park has some Snowdrops and Forsythia in bloom and the city’s Red-tails have begun to copulate. Today, I caught up with a Cooper’s Hawk, and both of the Fifth Avenue Hawks, Octavia and Pale Male.
