LES Gets Hawkish as "Sky Beasts" Move In

At least 32 pairs of nesting red-tailed hawks have been identified across the city since 2007, and lately the Lower East Side has been captivated by a pair that have settled on a fifth-floor air-conditioning unit at Public Schools 9-4/188 on East Houston Street. "They come down and they eat squirrels, rats, birds," 18-year-old local resident Johnny Reyes, who calls them "the sky beasts," tells the Daily News. "People who walk their little dogs are always looking out for the hawks." And for good reason—they'll steal your lunch, too! "In recent memory, there have never been more hawks than there are now in the most unusual of places," says city Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. Urban hawks—how many is too many?

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By John Del Signore in News on January 26, 2010 10:27 AM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

I want giant, genetically-engineered hawks that carry away annoying nasty people.

Spirit of 76

But then the Gothamist comments sections would be awfully empty.

JenChungsBaby

Until they start eating people they're OK with me, no matter how many there are.

longacre

I, for one, welcome our new feathered overlords.

John Del Signore

+1

BrooklyniteMike

there can never be too many

Geoelh

Until the chihuahua population is brought under control and reduced to zero, there is work left to be done. Welcome, my raptor friends!

Wza

Probably checking out the glass bird houses in the East Village.

rasputinsghost

i've seen redtails around washington square park a few times. anything that adds to the ecology of the city + eats pigeons + looks beautiful in flight is a huge plus

books

the question I want answered. People —how many is too many?

I never get tired of seeing wildlife, but I can't drive around lots of places in NYC anymore cause there are TOO many people. What say worry about conrtolling the 8 million people here before we worry about the 32 pairs of hawks.

Spirit of 76

Welcome to the big city. The whole reason for an urban metropolis is to have population density rather than suburban sprawl. Maybe you shouldn't be driving anywhere at all. That would solve your problem right there.

Tricksta

^Amen to that!

books

angrygod, you're funny.

kojack. I like the birds, what are you going about?

the rest of you are just angry cause you're a bunch of broke ass grown men who are still riding the bus.

Just Admit it, you're riding a bike/taking the bus, cause you dont have a car, its not a choice. Its a necessity.

Thats cool, you dont have to hate on me cause I'm all grown up and have to adult transportation. Wait a few years, maybe more than a few...you'll grow up too.

Spirit of 76

You've just proven that you are not a New Yorker and probably don't live here. Most of us don't take buses. We take subways. And yes, it is a choice because smart NYers know owning, parking and driving a car in the city is much more of a hassle than it's worth.

JenChungsBaby

That's priceless. I'd like to thank everyone who induced that response.

Chakal

You could move. Then we would have one less person to worry about.

books

the stock answer of the lazy. 'you dont like it move'

I'd rather improve things.

the bones of my ancestors are all over of this city, why should I be the one to move?

ANGRYGOD11

Why move?

Because it's only a mater of time until NYPD finds the ax you used on your family, you psycho.

rides on farts

If you want to improve things, get your car the fuck out of the city. You are the problem.

Kojak

pihctanlp I'm pretty sure the Hawks were here before your ancestors were. So Foofoo becomes a victim of a hungry hawk. Should'nt let your dog go too far away from you then.

Hawks knock off annoying pigeons and are magnificent creatures. I only wish the Bald Eagle moved in as well.