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:
Bobby appeared from behind me 10 minutes later. He flew below Sadie then rose up, circled near her, then landed right next to her:
His fascinating use of his tail feathers to slow down then make a turn:
Approaching Sadie who hunched down in preparation of his landing:
Both Hawks settled down and relaxed. Sadie preening:
Bobby leaned forward and preened at the side of Sadie’s head for a few seconds:
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:
Cocking her head nearly upside down while looking at Bobby:
Bobby moved behind her and looked out directly over the park:
What I think was a Cooper’s Hawk dove near the Hawks but descended toward the park trees:
Sadie preening while Bobby looks on:
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:
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.
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.
Yes, they are clearly quite bonded together. It’s lovely to see. Thank you, Jeanne!
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
Thank you, Carlene! Cooper’s Hawks are pretty funny when they’re hyper and zipping through the trees and chasing pigeons. They are so fast!