Rufous Hummingbird
I finally had a chance to make it over to the American Museum of Natural History to see the Rufous Hummingbird that has stayed through the winter. It belongs much further west, so it’s been a treat for New York birders all season.
Very Windy Afternoon
It was a slow day, until dusk at Washington Square. There was some high flying, some nest visits, a half hearted hunt before Bobby and Rosie roosted next to each other for the night.
Copulation In Washington Square
This evening was kind of quiet with Bobby perched on a building on the west side of the park, and then the cross. The only action had been a Peregrine Falcon which made a brief visit.
But then came Rosie to join Bobby. Bobby went across the park and back and landed on top of Rosie. The copulation lasted the few seconds it always does.
Then both went off to roost for evening.
Short-Eared Owls at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR
A two hour drive from New York City is the Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, an old airstrip that is now a National Wildlife Refuge. This time of year it is home to a number of Short-Eared Owls that appear about an hour before sunset.
Tonight, I saw six. It was a life bird for me!
(The refuge is currently closed to pedestrians, as they are reseeding. The pictures are a little blurry due to the distance they were taken from.)
High Above The Square
The hawks stayed high above Washington Square this Sunday afternoon. Perches included One Fifth Avenue, the cross on the church, flagpoles and balconies. They must have eaten earlier because neither bird seemed interested in hunting.
Lots Of Activity On Saturday
Saturday was full of activity with both hawks being seen for most of the afternoon.
Rosie hunted and caught a small rodent at 3rd and LaGuardia. This area is heavily baited with rat poison, so it isn’t the best spot for her to hunt. (There is speculation in the scientific community, that in addition to secondary poisoning of hawks from rat poison, it may led to infertility. I have wondered if the failure of two out of the three eggs last year might have been an issue with rodenticides,)
I didn’t witness any copulation, but both hawks visited the nest on Saturday.
