I’m not sure, but I think maybe a FDNY rescue worker placed this “thin ice” warning railing onto Central Park Pond’s ice to show where the ice was especially thin:
I write that only because two young Bronx men were rescued from the ice only two days ago. Article and related video here. I was not able to visit the park that day so thankfully I missed witnessing that drama unfold.
Sparrow trying to nap in the sun:
Pond ducks in preening mode:
The Mallards have no trouble dealing with the ice:
My favorite Wood Duck is still at The Pond, seemingly accepted by all the other ducks:
The Wood Duck became splishy himself:
I hadn’t seen either of the Plaza Red-tailed Hawks yet so was spending a good while with the ducks.
All of a sudden a Hawk’s cry in the sky above The Pond grabbed my attention:
Both Hawks flew north and out of view so it was back to my Wood Duck:
The Hawks returned. They flew toward The Plaza Hotel, circled around, then flew over The Pond again and dropped out of view.
Regretfully, I had to head back to work.
We’re expecting a blizzard to pass through the area starting Friday night. The Hawks I’m familiar with all survived Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 so I am not 100% worried for them. But I do have my fingers crossed that they all fare well and find good hiding spots to tuck into until the storm leaves the area over the weekend.