I was so excited Thursday morning when I had the opportunity to take photos of a hawk for the first time.  It sat with dignity not far from where I normally see the pigeons.  Earlier, I’d seen a large flock of pigeons but at that moment, they were no where in sight.  I suppose none of them wanted to become breakfast for the hawk. 

Interestingly enough, there were lots of sparrows around.  The hawk paid no attention to them and they didn’t seem afraid of him (I’d like to think of the bird as a male).   The hawk rested on the rooftop of another building.  I took several photos but they didn’t turn out well.   The sun position was not in my favor and I simply need a nicer camera with a better lens.  I  tried my best with what I have.  

For a while, the hawk watched me take his photo and then I think he got tired of me.  He flew to another roof top and then finally out of sight.  I wonder if I’ll see him again.  I hope so.

There are several hawks that live all over the city (and other boroughs like the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island).  The most famous pair of New York City hawks are Pale Male and Lola.  They took up residence and built a nest on the 12th floor window ledge of a fancy Fifth Avenue building on the Upper East Side.  A controversy arose when the building management (co-op board) made the decision to remove the nest.  After several people and groups protested, the board decided to rebuild the nest.  The birds live a celebrity life.

Paz