Falcons Hatch Before Our Eyes

Fledgling Raptors Are Only One Part of Thriving Local Avian Ecosystem

A still from the FalconCam, on the roof of 55 Water Street.

The population of Lower Manhattan is poised to swell by four in the next few days, as the eggs of a pair of peregrine falcons nesting on the roof of 55 Water Street near hatching. The aerie at the top of the building has welcomed raptors for more than a decade, and the live, 24-hour Falcon Cam allows close-up nest-watching. But this year, apprehension runs high among bird lovers still in mourning over the February death of the uptown owl Flaco. Flaco escaped his enclosure at the Central Park Zoo a year ago and, against the odds, had thrived—but then died after colliding with a building. A necropsy found toxic levels of rat poison in his system.

“This probably won’t be an issue for the falcons at 55 Water,” says Lower Manhattan resident Gail Karlsson (right), the unofficial doyenne of Downtown birders. “Falcons don’t eat rats,” she notes. “They eat birds.”

This distinction was vividly imparted to Ms. Karlsson several years ago when she was birdwatching in the Battery. “I saw a mourning dove flying overhead,” she recalls, “and a moment later spotted a falcon above and behind it, which swooped down and grabbed the mourning dove, then killed and ate it.”

Peregrine falcons are the fastest creatures on the planet, and have been recorded diving at 200 mph. They have adapted well to urban habitats all over the world, nesting at the tops of tall buildings and bridges, and targeting pigeons and other birds as prey.

A retired environmental lawyer, Ms. Karlsson discovered a new passion when “I started going on bird walks, sponsored by the Battery Conservancy and led by Gabriel Willow [from NYC Audubon], and realized that there’s a lot more to this than pigeons and sparrows.”

(Peregrine falcon photograph by Gail Karlsson.)

“The seasonal migrating birds are starting to come through, many of which travel more than 4,000 miles,” she observes. “Some voyage to the Arctic for the spring tundra bloom, which means there are suddenly millions of insects, to provide protein for their babies. Others travel much shorter distances. Ospreys breed in Jamaica Bay, but go south for the winter because the fish they feed on in shallow water are most abundant in the Caribbean and South America during our winter.”

This rich pageant inspired Ms. Karlsson to author the book A Birds’ Guide to The Battery and New York Harbor. “Tall buildings are similar to the natural nesting sites for some raptors,” she reflects. “And the Battery became a vibrant place for birds because of the gardens planted there by the Conservancy. All the native plants they have reintroduced have made a huge difference for the avian population.” (Hawk photograph by Gail Karlsson.)

Over the next few weeks, tens of thousands of birds will pass through Lower Manhattan in the annual spring migration. Free birdwatching walks are scheduled by The Battery and the Battery Park City Authority through May. NYC Audubon hosts outings and classes all over New York City. And, Birdcast offers real-time bird migration maps.

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DOWNTOWN CALENDAR

Friday, April 26

5:45pm

Monika Linkyte

Perelman Performing Arts Center lobby

Monika Linkyte is a popular Lithuanian singer. Free.

6:30pm

(the giant sleeps) Between Two Rivers

Battery Park, near Castle Clinton

A playful, poetic theatrical piece that follows three ambitious New Netherlanders recently arrived to the original Dutch settlement; a waterlogged newcomer washed ashore, searching for purpose on this island; and a gaggle of competing city officials navigating the shifting tides of climate change and urban renewal.

7pm

At the Movies: Hey Viktor!

National Museum of the American Indian, One Bowling Green

Twenty years from childhood fame as Little Viktor in 1998’s indie hit Smoke Signals, Cody Lightning (Cree) still believes himself to be famous and sets out to prove it. For mature audiences. Director Cody Lightning in attendance for a post-screening Q&A. Free.

9pm-1am

The Sailors Ball

Down Town Association, 60 Pine Street

Black-tie party celebrating the start of the sailing season. $175.

Saturday, April 27

11am-3pm

National Park Week Adinkra Stamping

African Burial Ground National Monument, 290 Broadway

Visitors can make their own adinkra stamp to create patterns on muslin fabric which they can take home. Free.

11am

Skyscraper National Park: Financial District Transformed

Meeting location confirmed with registration

This walk tour with architectural historian Matt Postal examines acclaimed individual projects that preceded the Twin Towers. $30.

11am-1pm

History and Horticulture Walk

Meet at the SeaGlass Carousel

Walking tour through Battery Park, with a focus on it history and current horticultural landscape. RSVP is required. Free.

2:30pm

Hopalong Andrew

Perelman Performing Arts Center lobby

Children's musical entertainment. Free.

2:30pm

Sinister Secrets of the Seaport Walking Tour

Meet at Ryan Maguire's Bar & Restaurant, 28 Cliff Street

Winding journey that unravels the darker past of the South Street Seaport Historic District and Lower Manhattan. Content is appropriate for fans of true crime stories, those looking for unique New York experience, and history-buffs aged 13 and up. $40.

7pm

LMNE

Perelman Performing Arts Center lobby

LMNE is a singer raised in Senegal, France, and the United States.

Sunday, April 28

8am

9/11 Memorial & Museum 5K

Lower Manhattan

Walk or run a path inspired by the one first responders took on 9/11 and in its aftermath. Revenue supports the 9/11 Museum & Memorial mission.

10:30am

Paper Heart Puppets

Performances at the ShowBox Theater at Battery Park, near the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.

2011 photograph © Robert Simko

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