Red-tailed Hawk landing on nest, Bobst Library, NYU, New York City

Bobby defends the park, migrating beauties – October 18th, 2018

I was back in the saddle and Hawking again today after a busy week. I was a couple of blocks from Washington Square Park when I saw one of the Hawks circling over the south side of the park. It then continued southward.

When I got closer a minute later I saw Bobby seated on one of his favorite perches just north of Washington Square Park (One Fifth Avenue):

Washington Square Park Hawk on One Fifth Avenue apartment building

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby sitting on One Fifth Avenue perch

I watched him on his perch for 4 minutes before he dove off and headed toward the trees:

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby flying off One Fifth Avenue

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby diving to park

But sadly for me I couldn’t find what tree he might have landed in. I did see some other lovely birds over the next half hour.

Hermit Thrush:

Washington Square Park Hermit Thrush in tree

Blue Jay:

Washington Square Park Blue Jay perched on branch

The current state of the Bobst Library renovations (the nest is in the 7th window from the left):

NYU Hawk nest library undergoing construction

The scaffolding support ropes have moved to the left so that might mean the crew is done working on the facade below the nest.

NYU Hawk nest library construction

I heard a Hawk screaming and saw Bobby circling over the northeast corner of the park. He was acting as though he were chasing something away (perhaps an intruder Hawk):

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby flying over park

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby flying along eastern side of park

Bobby disappeared again. The drama was over in a minute.

A rat dashed across the lawn in front of me and dove into the bushes:

Washington Square Park Hawk rat running to bush

Another 10 minutes of quietude passed when all of a sudden a flock of park pigeons rose high up and scattered in a panic. It took a while but I finally saw what I think caused them to worry: A Cooper’s Hawk flying over the park:

Cooper's Hawk flying over Washington Square Park

I then had to wonder if it was the Cooper’s Hawk that Bobby was chasing and screaming after earlier. There was no way to know unfortunately.

One of the only clusters of Autumn leaves (the rest of the park is still very green):

Washington Square Park Hawk fall foliage

A pair of Ruby-crowned Kinglets at the eastern side of the park:

Washington Square Park Ruby Crowned Kinglet on twig

Washington Square Park Ruby Crowned Kinglet flying from bush

Washington Square Park Ruby Crowned Kinglet sitting on branch

Washington Square Park Ruby Crowned Kinglet flying in trees

Washington Square Park Ruby Crowned Kinglet landing on branch

A White-throated Sparrow nearby:

Washington Square Park White-throated Sparrow on ground


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12 thoughts on “Bobby defends the park, migrating beauties – October 18th, 2018

  1. Sometimes the smallest amongst us are most noteworthy. It’s charming to see the sparrows, thrushes, kinglets, even the jays! that enrich our avian world, and despite all urban obstacles continue to thrive.
    Let’s hope the NYU scaffolding is completed as you noted, so that our beloved RTHs won’t be disturbed. Tough enough to survive winter without another problem to deal with.
    Thanks, always, for your sharp eye and great lens! Dress warm, be safe…

    1. It’s always exciting when fall migration comes. The beautiful birds are such a treat. Yes, the renovation pace looks promising. Fingers crossed it’s wrapped up soon and it all turns out OK. Thank you!

  2. The Red Tailed Hawk kingdom is safe and protected by our Bobby.
    From the migrating birds to the rat scurrying across the grass ( my own personal, UGH)
    All is serene today w/ Mother Nature and Bobby providing loving protection.
    Good to know the necessary work is being completed by the workers on the library and without worrying
    our RTH …or so it seems.
    Thank you for the wondrous pictures of all the creatures “Great and Small”
    A peaceful reporting today from the Washington Park.

  3. You provide a wonderful touchstone for a born n raised Brooklynite, now many years in Boston. I never knew there was such a wealth of my favorite birds right in WSP. Who knew white throated sparrows ever came to the city? I’m used to hearing their special song in the mtns of New England. Thank you for all of your efforts.

    1. Thanks, Mimi! It can be easy to overlook the White-throated Sparrows since they so closely resemble the more common sparrows. They are such a treat to spot!

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