Bobby hasn’t been seen in several days and his absence is quite worrying. The last time I saw him in person was on April 29th. A fellow Hawk-watcher friend of mine last saw him in person on Sunday. I think the last time I saw him on the cam was either late Sunday or Monday morning. He has never been away from the park this long during baby Hawk season.
Sadie has had to hunt for food both for herself and for the hatchlings since Bobby disappeared.
When I visited Washington Square Park on Monday I thought it was pretty strange not to see any sign of Bobby and for Sadie to be out on such a long nest break but I sort of put it in the back of my mind as overthinking everything. I checked on the live nest cam whenever I could and saw no new Bobby visits. Sadie soon started to bring in pigeon and squirrel meals for the kids when normally Bobby would provide these meals. That’s when I knew something was very wrong.
Sadie’s nest breaks had become hours-long rather than the usual half hour or so.
On Tuesday I was running errands near Union Square Park and watched one of the Hawks fly to the Con Ed tower, land for maybe a second, then relaunch and fly a block east then circle back toward Washington Square Park. I think now that this was probably Sadie looking for Bobby on one of their regular perches. Usually when one of the Hawks goes to that tower it will stay there for an extended period, not just for a few seconds.
Fellow Hawk friends started reaching out to me with the same concerns and justified my anxiety.
Today I searched Washington Square Park, Union Square Park, and other blocks in the Hawks’ territory but saw not one hint of Bobby. I did see Sadie out there fending for herself and hunting and catching prey. This post details what I saw over about four hours.
Sadie was sitting on a corner of NYU’s Silver Center building when I arrived:
From there she could look into the nest and the park below. Sadie flew away and over the park.
A second adult Hawk appeared a few mintues later and I thought this might be Bobby! But as I looked closer at its coloring it looked as though its head was a lighter shade than Bobby’s (among other subtle differences):
This stranger Hawk flew along the southern end of the park while Sadie was on the nest ledge so I knew I had two separate adult Hawks for sure:
The interloper Hawk flew in sight of the nest. Sadie screamed and dashed out toward this Hawk. I knew then that this was not Bobby because she screams and behaves like that when chasing a stranger away from her territory.
Sadie in the foreground, flying near the stranger Hawk:
A better look at the stranger Hawk. It is smaller and slimmer and lighter-colored than Bobby:
Sadie chased this Hawk northeast out of the park. She then returned to the nest:
I spent the next hour visiting some of the most common buildings the Hawks have perched on and gave my card to the doormen and front desk security officers in case they heard of someone finding an injured or dead Hawk.
Some of the apartment buildings I visited were One Fifth Avenue, Two Fifth Avenue, the Brevoort, and the Stewart House. Other buildings I shared the info with included the Cardozo Law School, Con Edison, and Cooper Union Art School. I must say that I was touched and impressed by how understanding and professional these men and women were.
Other folks I notified were staff in the Washington Square Park office, a head security guard at WSP, Bobby Horvath of Wildlife in Need of Rescue and Rehabilitation, a few park regulars, and a Park Ranger friend of mine. Trust me, there are many people who are aware that Bobby is missing and will keep an eye and ear out for any news on his whereabouts.
***
I was en route to the Con Ed building when I noticed a Hawk land on the Grace Church cross down the avenue:
As I got closer I saw that it was Sadie. She was hunting from above:
This church is a few blocks northeast of the park on Broadway and 10th Street.
Sadie flew off, circled with some pigeons, then returned to the church spire:
She dove and landed on one of the church’s window sills:
She was standing over a little bird’s nest:
A Mockingbird flew to Sadie and dive-bombed her but Sadie ignored it. Sadie then stole one of the baby birds from the nest:
All the Mockingbird could do was watch. Seeing this raw nature take place was a bit heartbreaking. If you are a regular reader of this site I know that you love the Hawks yet can empathize with the Mockingbird mother’s distress.
Sadie flew to another spire:
She flew to yet another building along Broadway (the old Wanamaker department store building):
She got attacked by a Mockingbird then flew down to the roof of the Stewart House apartment building:
Sadie is able to take care of all three young Hawks on her own should Bobby never return. It will be tough but she has and will continue to be a great hunter and protector for them.
We will have to stick it out and wait to see how soon Sadie will attract a new mate or if she will wind up abandoning this territory in search of a new mate. These are all what-ifs now.
The worst of all this is that Bobby isn’t here and the unknowns are difficult to contend with. Bobby has been an amazing Hawk and his absence is painful.
Shocking and heart breaking! Sadie will be run ragged trying to find for the little guys on her own. Something must have happened to Bobbie; he’d never just take off for days. Best wishes for this little family! Let us know as you learn more.
Yes, this will be a tough time for her but so far she is doing a good job of keeping the youngsters fed and guarding them. I have heard of other female Hawks in the city having to raise three young and were successful.
My spirit is aching…not only only for the little family in the nest ;Sadie providing all the food and nurturing plus looking for her mate. My heart hurts for this community who feels as I do, the loss, hoping it is only temporary and for myself….missing from afar, the Protector of this hawk family, Bobby. We have been speechless in the character of the Bobby Hawk, as he swoops through the skies above the park.
I am so sorry, Roger_Paw , I can sense your fears for what is the worse case scenario imaginable …
the little family you have followed w/ your camera lens for so long…capturing their beauty and wonder in the sky and in the nest. Life is unpredictable and nearly crushes , at times, doesn’t it.
It is a terrible thing. To not know what happened or is happening with Bobby is torturous and sad. He has been an amazing caretaker and mate.
Any word on Bobby? How is Sadie do, and the babies?
Hi, no news on Bobby. If I had heard something I would have posted it right away. Sadie and the babies appear to be doing well. You can watch them on the live Hawk cam. The babies have started to venture further to the right on the ledge and out of view of the camera (in case you don’t see all three when you check on the cam).
Thank you for all your footwork in addition to the awesome (as usual) photos. Sure doesn’t look like she’s accepted Bobby being gone…
Really sad.
Thank you, Sandz. Sadie has been doing an awesome job during this tough time. It’s all very sad.
I am very sad to hear Bobby is missing. I feel so bad for Sadie. Sadie please don’t eat baby birds. Poor mom. I hope Bobby is found especially if he is hurt. If he is hurt, he is probably hiding somewhere so he doesn’t become easy prey. I am praying he comes back. I know this is hard on you also. It is so easy to get attached to them.
Yes, it’s easy to get attached to these magnificent birds and times like this are so rough to go through.
Thanks for the info. Truly sad if he is gone, but you are right, he’s never gone this long.
It was sad seeing Sadie pluck the baby bird from the nest, but this is wild-life, and we have a front row seat thanks to you!
Thanks, Karen. Yes, he’s never been gone this long (and especially not during the nesting season).
Awful, awful news, and what a big job for Sadie. I hope things work out OK for her and the young birds.
I have been following these hawks since the days of Violet and Pip. This is truly sad news. Bobby has always been there looking after his family from Violet to Rosie to Sadie and all their chicks.
I pray he returns.
Sadie has been doing an incredible job gathering pigeon and squirrel meals for the kids. So in that regard I have a positive outlook on the situation but yes, it’s a horrible turn of events.
Saddest news. Have followed the hawks from the days of Violet and Pip. Bobby always looked after all his mates ( from Violet to Rosie to Sadie) and all their chicks and provided for them. This is so sad.
Thanks, Deena. We have seen such highs and lows with this beautiful Hawk family/saga. Bobby was always the constant so this is especially hard.
At this writing Bobby has been missing for twelve days. Last night when I read the news I felt like someone had punched me in the chest. It became hard to breathe. It’s impossible to accept that precious Bobby could be gone. What happened to this magnificent bird? And no one has come forth yet with a report about an injured or dead hawk? He has just vanished? All of us can forgive Sadie for taking a bird from another nest to feed her babies.
Thank you Roger_Paw for your thoughtful and sensitive comments. We are stunned by this sudden and unimaginable event. Take good care, Carlene.
One of my Hawk-watching friends definitely saw him on Sunday so it’s been more like 5 days. I feel the same as you, Carlene. I can’t say enough good things about Bobby and his loss is sad beyond words.
Oh I must have counted wrong. That is consistent with my being upset. Can’t think straight. Still five days is a long time not to see a hawk we have been watching carefully for many years. Where is he? What happened to him? What could have happened? His loss really is sad beyond words. I keep hoping someone will find him or see him. Must stay positive. Thank you Roger. Best, Carlene
Agree, Sunday was the last I saw him. Late that day she took the squirrel off the nest, which she brought back Monday morning, looking much worse for the wear (rain). Then Tuesday brought a very large bird, with head.
Last week one day Bobby didn’t show up for night time or breakfast and she acted the same way. So when this Monday happened I said ahhh he’s just doing that again…
It seems pretty clear when you were in the park and didn’t see him it was cuz he wasn’t around…
Oh no. I have loved Bobby through all the years, that most beautiful and brave mate and protector. It will never be the same without him. Please, come back Bobby!
Roger, So sorry to find this terrible news. Bobby has been a source of inspiration due to the combination of his magnificence and your ability to share him with those of us out here in the world peering at our little screens. The saga continues … Please know that your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Roger, do you know that spot west and slightly north of the park we Bobby used to roost? Some called it Red Roost Inn? You looked there, right?
Thank you again for, as was said in a previous comment, the leg work you’re putting in. 🙏
Roger-Paw – any further news? I am heartbroken that Bobby seems to be gone and there’s nothing I can do to help! Is Sadie continuing to hunt well? The camera is deceiving. Rena
No updates. I will post news as soon as I hear it. From what I can tell Sadie looks to be picking up the slack OK.
My heart is breaking.
It’s been a very sad turn of events. Thanks, GorillaGirl.
Awwwwww….this news is sad indeed. I was away and had no idea…poor Sadie! I know she is doing everything to raise her young and will likely succeed, but what a turn of events! I am broken hearted.
I have noticed locally, where we have a huge raptor population, that many birds are being rehabbed after trying for road kill and getting clipped by a vehicle. Do your Hawks go onto hwys? The good news is that we recently had a red-tailed Hawk ( who did not move from a cars path quickly enough) released back to nature…he flew to a tree and preened and off he flew. So, perhaps Bobby will reappear?
Let’s hope Bobby rejoins his family soon. Miracles happen daily…Bless this Nest!
Our Hawks don’t hunt along nearby highways. They avoid roadways and do their hunting in parks and nearby trees, buildings, and gardens/park lawns.
I can only believe that Bobby is alive somewhere. Wouldn’t his body have been found if not? Or are there predators that wouldn’t leave a trace?
So happy Sadie is doing okay but I really miss Bobby.
I’m so sad about this news. Bobby would definitely be at the nest if he could, helping feed and so forth. Something has happened to him. But what on earth could it be? I wonder if one too many poisoned mice finally got to his system. He’s lasted longer than Violet and the second mate. I wonder what their life expectancy is in NY with poisoned mice and trash that they might get caught up in.
Same. If he were still around he would be right there attending to his duties. Like with Rosie’s disappearance back in 2014, we will probably never know what became of him.
I think about Bobby every day. I am so sad for his loss and for Sadie and the babies. How long had you been following Bobby? He should have lived years and years.
It’s a terrible thing. This is my 9th year of following the Hawks. His loss is deeply felt.