Jackson Heights Life

Hello members,

I am a graduate student in animal behavior with research experience, and an intern with the ornithology dept of a major zoo. I have lived in JH for just over 3 years now, and have sighted at least 2 possibly 3 raptor species on and around the buildings in the neighborhood. Some of these buildings appear to have potential nesting areas for these birds and was wondering if anyone out there has noticed any active or abandoned nests on their rooftops.

I would be very interested in possibly organizing a future census of nests, depending on the feedback and cooperation of residents of JH.

Hawks, and other raptors are not only beautiful creatures worth protecting but may also be important consumers of vermin species. I ask that anyone with SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON NESTS post a reply to see where we can go from there.

Thanks all,

J

back in the mid 90s, my ex and i owned one of the 'spanish houses' on 75th street and we had a family of hawks who nested in the then-unscreened top floor "porch." they were beautiful, but had the annoying habit of dropping unwanted leftovers -- mostly squirrel tails, once a part of a possum, down the chimney and into our fireplace flue.

i would guess that places with similar upper floors --the towers, a couple other buildings in te low80s, might have nests.

I've seen quite a few Hawks here several times. Even woke up to a Hawk having a pigeon on my fire escape for breakfast... bloody mess it was. I have pix if you want.

Hi J,
There are at least one pair of Red Tailed Hawks living in JH- I saw them Monday while waiting for alternate side to end. The male perched on the cell phone antennas on the building at the North/West corner of 79th and 34th. No idea where their nest is.
yance

Good evening all,

I apologize for the lack of correspondence, but oddly, this thread disappeared for some time shortly after I posted and I assumed it was taken down by a moderator. Imagine my surprise when I logged on again yesterday.

In any event, as I mentioned in my initial post, I am a grad student in animal behavior and I am interested in cataloguing (at least) the occurrence of raptors in Jackson Heights. I do appreciate all of your input thus far.

Yesterday afternoon, I spotted a hawk flying just above the buildings on 80th St between Roosevelt and 37th Ave. I have already observed red-tailed hawks (fairly common in urban areas), at least one immature sharp-shinned hawk (less common, especially in urban areas), and kestrels. The latter are tiny falcons that are beautifully patterned and fairly easy to identify. They can nest in the tightest spots, so they also do well in urban areas.

I would be very interested to know if there are any peregrine falcons in the area as well.

At present, I'm checking with local wildlife agencies and authorities to make certain that any census I decide to undertake is not in violation of any laws.   

With that said, one important disclaimer here:

While I'm certain that you are all responsible citizens, for my own piece of mind, I would just like to caution anyone against any type of intrusive investigating that may inadvertently harm birds, their offspring, or themselves. Again, I'm sure none of you would do this, but it would be irresponsible of me not take the precaution of making this expressly clear.

One preliminary question that I do have, is how one would go about getting permission from landlords, co-op boards, etc. to do some exploring in buildings. After all, I certainly respect the fact that no one wants some stranger roaming around their rooftops. At present, I am just asking, because as I mentioned there may be legal issues at the municipal, state and/or federal levels that need to be considered beforehand. But, at the very least it would be good to know that building residents and administrators are amenable to this type of work.   

Additionally, all of you who have photos, please post them if you can. If posting them for public view poses any issue, let me know and I can make arrangements to receive them via email. Please note, that these will be used as visual references to gain some idea of species diversity, and WILL NOT under any circumstances be used by me for publication or personal gain.

Once more thank you all for your help. I will be in contact again very soon.

J     

   
 

Merlin Hawks have also been seen in the neighborhood - not by me but by a neighbor who is an ardent bird watcher and photographer.

You should check out this photo album of hawk sightings in Jackson Heights. http://jjackflash.zenfolio.com/p243285907

It was linked in an old thread here about hawks.  If you want to read the old threads, go to the search button and type hawk and see what comes up.

He is a very experienced birder and bird photographer so I trust that he correctly identified the merlin.  I'll see if he remembers where and when.

Madalyn-

Merlins are actually small falcons (not hawks), which are very similar to the American kestrels I mentioned earlier. They are smaller-bodied overall, however. 

Is your neighbor certain this is what he/she saw, because if so, thats a great find given their somewhat limited distribution in the U.S. If your neighbor is an experienced birder, I trust that he/she did.

Would you mind inquiring when and where they spotted the bird(s)? I would much appreciate it.

Also, if he/she has friends who are also birders, their input would also be welcome.

Thanks again.

-J