Today was the first time I saw the Washington Square Park Hawks mating this breeding season. A fellow Hawk-watcher first saw them mate a few days ago. All seems well and right on schedule for springtime eggs.
I spotted one of the Hawks sitting on the park’s southwestern building when I arrived today:
It was Bobby. He looked relaxed:
He flew off his perch after 20 minutes. His mate Sadie appeared from a neighboring building top and followed him. I didn’t even know she had been sitting there (likely the whole time). They circled together for a few spins before she flew north.
Bobby stayed behind and circled some more:
The pigeons sitting on the park arch below him stayed put:
Bobby joined Sadie on the distant Con Edison tower 17 minutes after he first started flying:
I figured out later that Sadie was the Hawk sitting toward the back because she was in the same spot when Bobby mated with her later:
The Hawks didn’t move for 25 minutes so I thought I might leave for the day since they seemed so restful.
The ‘moo cow’ pigeon I’ve featured from time to time over the last year was pretty active:
It flew to the other side of the park to join its pals (I think someone threw food there for the pigeons):
It was good I spent that time watching the pigeon rather than leave the park because Bobby returned not long after. He flew super fast all over the park. He looked so strong and dominant.
He returned to the same building I first spotted him on:
Circling again, a pigeon in the foreground:
He circled over the park for several minutes, rising higher and higher.
All of a sudden he turned, tucked, then dove toward the Con Edison tower:
I nearly panicked because there was no way I could get to a clear view of the tower in time so shooting through the trees would have to do!
Bobby zoomed right over to Sadie who was already up and ready:
Their mating lasted for around 20 seconds. Bobby moved over next to Sadie:
He then moved to the left-hand side:
The two Hawks settled down again so I finally made my way out of the park.
‘Moo cow’ was back:
I had to run an errand close to the Con Ed tower so I used the opportunity to check on the love birds:
I have fond memories of Bobby, Violet, and little Pip. That was eight years ago but it’s still vivid. And how many times I’ve wondered how Pip is, and where he might be, and has he been a father himself? He comes from a great bloodline. Bobby really is Master and Commander of his domain. He is truly a magnificent bird. A Man for all Seasons. It’s great to hear Bobby and Sadie are mating. Babies will be on the way soon. And I look forward to reading about the new little hawks. The adventure continues!! Thanks so much for all you do for the hawks Roger_Paw.
Thank you, Carlene! It’s so enjoyable to picture all the young Hawks Bobby has sired going out on their own and continuing the bloodline in their new environs. It’s a perfectly natural cycle but made more special because of our acquaintance with this ‘family’. Cheers!
I love the “Moocow” pigeon. He should have his own website!!!
It’s such a beautiful bird. I hope it lives a long and healthy life. So far so good on hiding from the Hawks. 🙂
I am thinking of the music that accompanies “The Circle of Life”, knowing our hawks are right w/ the world and their natural instincts for bringing us more little Bobbies and Sadies. Looking forward to Spring and the babysitting of computers ,that go along w/ Eggs in the nest and Hatchlings on the ledge.
That sounds like there should be.a song for that .
Thanks, Roger_Paw, for giving us eyes to enjoy our hawks.