Fifth Avenue
Pale Male and Octavia continue to get their nest ready and were seen copulating today, so eggs can’t be too far off. If they behave like last year, I suspect eggs will be laid in the second half of March.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge’s West Pond
On February 24, NYC Audubon released Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: Restoration Recommendations for the West Pond. These recommendations are intended to provide conservation science-based guidance in the National Park Service’s upcoming decision on the future of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy breached Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge’s West Pond, transforming this formerly freshwater habitat into a saltwater lagoon of Jamaica Bay. Over a year later, this breach has not been repaired. A very small fraction of New York City’s original freshwater habitat remains, due to overdevelopment throughout the City. As a result, the freshwater habitat of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is crucial for New York City’s birds.
Please support this proposal by signing this petition right now.
Nest Activity and Roosting at Washington Square
Sunset is now late enough that I can run down to Washington Square after work. Tonight I got to see some string brought to the nest but then some string removed. Both hawks were on the nest, but they quickly made a trip south of the Bobst Library. I found them again minutes later at a favorite roost site.
Last year this pair nested in early March, so regardless of the weather, we might have eggs soon.
(I’ve received a few emails about the status of the NYU Hawkcam. I have no idea. Last year NYU was kind enough to continue the camera feed started by the New York Times. It will be up to Dr. Sexton and the NYU Public Relations department, if it is to be set up again this year.)
Fifth Avenue Nest
With egg laying on the horizon, Pale Male and Octavia are spending time tidying up the nest for this year’s nesting season. It was a productive day watching them and they were all around the park including the Beresford Apartments, many Fifth Avenue buildings and various trees on Cedar Hill.
More Snow!
Winter is going out like a lion. We’ve had snow storm after snow storm. But a sign spring is coming soon was seeing Pale Male and his mate in their nest today. Eggs should come sometime in March, only a few weeks away.
Central Park
With the snow and ice, I only stayed in the center of Central Park today. I added two species to my year list, a Fox Sparrow and a Rusty Blackbird. Highlights also included a very tame Carolina Wren and a Long-eared Owl.
