Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Raptor Wednesday

Peregrine.
Cooper’s.
American Kestrels, who seem to think it may be breeding season already.

The big antenna at 40th St. and 5th Avenue, a long block away from our apartment, hosts these raptors as well as the occasional Red-tailed Hawk and Merlin. Lousy photos because it’s so damn far away, and now that it’s winter the spotting scope is much distorted by the heat pouring out the windows when they’re opened.

Some bonus Red-tailed Hawks. If I don’t see one or two a day, even when I don’t go outside (this last one is photographed through the window), then something’s wrong somewhere. This last one also has a full crop–has been dining on rat, squirrel, or pigeon perhaps.

mthew

2 responses to “Raptor Wednesday”

  1. Charles McAlexander

    Dining on rat can be a serious problem for urban raptors. Almost all rats have a toxin load which, while not immediately lethal to birds, does bioaccumulate. Ultimately, there is neurological damage, then death. Witness Barney of Central Park fame. She got so loopy she flew into an oncoming truck. Probably saved a stretch of serious pain for the poor bird!

    Reply
  2. Charles McAlexander

    correction, Barry, not Barney

    Reply

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