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

Bobby and Sadie’s tender togetherness – October 12th, 2018

I stole a couple of hours to look for the Washington Square Hawks today and had great luck seeing them sit and fly together during my visit.

Sadie was the first Hawk I spotted through the trees. She was sitting on the southeast corner of One Fifth Avenue, the tallest apartment building just north of the park:

Washington Square Park Hawk Sadie on One Fifth Avenue

Washington Square Park Hawk Sadie high atop One Fifth Avenue

Washington Square Park Hawk Sadie on One Fifth Avenue perch

Washington Square Park Hawk Sadie atop One Fifth Avenue

Bobby appeared from behind me 10 minutes later. He flew below Sadie then rose up, circled near her, then landed right next to her:

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby flying over NYC street

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby flying along One Fifth Avenue

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby flying past Sadie

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby flying past Sadie

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby flying from Sadie

His fascinating use of his tail feathers to slow down then make a turn:

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby flying above NYC

Approaching Sadie who hunched down in preparation of his landing:

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby approaching mate Sadie

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby landing by Sadie

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby landing next to Sadie

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby landing next to Sadie

Both Hawks settled down and relaxed. Sadie preening:

Washington Square Park Hawks Bobby Sadie on One Fifth Avenue

Bobby leaned forward and preened at the side of Sadie’s head for a few seconds:

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby preening Sadie

I have seen Bobby gently preen the Hawk babies in the nest but this was the first time I recall seeing him preen Sadie.

Sadie chit-chatted at him for a little while:

Washington Square Park Hawk Sadie talking to Bobby

Cocking her head nearly upside down while looking at Bobby:

Washington Square Park Hawk Sadie looking at Bobby

Washington Square Park Hawk Bobby Sadie One Fifth Avenue perch

Bobby moved behind her and looked out directly over the park:

Washington Square Park Hawks Bobby Sadie One Fifth Avenue

What I think was a Cooper’s Hawk dove near the Hawks but descended toward the park trees:

Cooper's Hawk flying above Washington Square Park

Cooper's Hawk above Washington Square Park

Sadie preening while Bobby looks on:

Washington Square Park Hawk Sadie preening

They flew off their perch one after the other 18 minutes after Bobby landed next to Sadie.

They circled together then followed each other far east of the park:

Washington Square Park Hawks Bobby Sadie circling

Washington Square Park Hawk flying by NYC building

Washington Square Park Hawk flying by NYC building

I looked for them where I’ve seen Bobby hang out in the past (Cooper Square) but there was no sign of them. I left the area and saw who I’m quite convinced was Christo, the male Tompkins Square Park Hawk, hunting a flock of pigeons at 2nd Avenue and 3rd Street in the East Village several minutes later.


« Older post Newer post »

4 thoughts on “Bobby and Sadie’s tender togetherness – October 12th, 2018

  1. I so enjoy your pics of the “flying hawks” and especially that distinguished “tuck” when approaching a landing
    I think , it shows such navigational skills ,even if instinctual
    Thanks for capturing our hawks “billing and cooing” together
    apparently , no off season for our hawks , in being a couple.

  2. Lovebirds!! Sweet to see them enjoying their lives together on such a beautiful day!! Thanks so much for the photographs. I’m going to look up Cooper’s Hawk, that’s another beautiful bird I don’t know that much about. Have a great day. Carlene

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Comments will appear after mod approval. Required fields are marked *