Urban Hawks

I made a brief visit to the newly refurbished 5th Avenue nest of Pale Male and Lola on Saturday.  Everything seemed like normal on a mid-winter day.  Lola and Pale Male are now spending much more time near the nest and are protecting the neighborhood.  While I was there, they chased off a juvenile Red-tail and an Accipiter pair.

Both Pale Male and Lola visited the nest.  Lola settled down into the nest and was impossible to see.  I think she can now settle in a little deeper.

James Lewis, who has been keeping track of the dates of Pale Male’s yearly nest activities, has the first event, first copulation as anywhere between 1/26 and 3/5.  So keep an eye out for the first signs of Spring!

On Tuesday, NYC Audubon refurbished the nest at 927 Fifth Avenue.  72 pigeon spikes were removed, as well as three eggs.  After three unsuccessful years, Pale Male and Lola will have a much better chance of having a successful nesting season this Spring.

I have the highest respect for the staff and board members of NYC Audubon, who undertook this project.  The refurbishment required research and consultation with scientific experts, getting permission to modify the nest from the Co-Op board and government officials, and extensive and expensive technical planning and execution.

NYC Audubon usually focuses on education and conservation activities in New York City.  To have focused on such a specific issue must have caused lots of discussion at board meetings.  Kudos to Executive Director, Glenn Phillips, for having the courage to take on this important issue.

NYC Audubon is in the midst of its Annual Appeal for 2008.  I encourage everyone to make a donation to NYC Audubon to thank them for helping Pale Male and Lola.