Central Park South: Peregrine Falcons
Last night, Wed. 31-May-2006, I spent over an hour searching for signs of the nesting Peregrines over the southeast corner of Central Park. No signs of any falcons over this short timespan.
There are some strong signs that the human activity around the nest may have been too much for the falcons to tolerate.
Last night I spotted, on the west face of the G.M. Building, six (6) brand new metal beams protruding from the side of the building.
The walkway the workers use to install these beams is on the same level as the nest & only a few feet from the site where the adults had been exchanging places in order relieve each other from nesting duties.
The beams have metal tabs near the middle of their length. It appears someone will be draping something from these supports. If it is a huge canvas sign then the recently installed roof lighting is there to illuminate this object.
My feeling is that this probably has something to do with the ‘Apple Store’ located directly below.
Next year will be, for me, the 11th year seeing Peregrine Falcons using this territory without seeing the results of a successful nesting.
Hopefully a place can be found in their territory where a nest box can be installed so these Peregrines can finally raise young over Central Park.
Related items:
• Peregrine Falcon updates — 2006: 13-Apr, 21-Apr, 24-Apr, 26-Apr, 28-Apr, 30-Apr, 4-May, 5-May, 6-May, 7-May, 9-May, 11-May, 12-May, 13-May, 14-May, 16-May, 17-May, 18-May, 19-May, 21-May, 22-May, 23-May, 31-May
• Earliest Peregrine Falcon Nest in N.Y.C.?
• Behavior of Peregrine Falcons in the N.Y.C. Region
by Richard A. Herbert & Kathleen Green Skelton Herbert
• Obs. of Duck Hawks Nesting on Man-made Structures
by Horace Groskin
2 Comments:
I was at the nest for 5 hrs today and didnt see the falcons once. i think the continued human activity on the roof, particularly the northwest side, has pressured the falcons too greatly.
Thanks for the update. I haven't been back to the site since the the last three times I've been seeing less and less activity each time.
Glad to hear you stuck it out so long without any activity at all!
Tonight I went out to bird for the first time since watching the nesting Peregrines. I visited the reservoir and Turtle Pond. 24 species including nesting Barn Swallows.
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