Pale Male, Red-tailed hawk at Fifth Avenue, New York City, United States.
Pale Male is a red-tailed hawk that established his territory on the Upper East Side in 1991, nesting on the building at 927 Fifth Avenue. The male bird and his various mates raised their young on building ledges and setbacks, where their nest was built from sticks and other natural materials.
The hawk first arrived in the area during the 1990s, when red-tailed hawks were rare in New York City. His nest was removed in 2004, but public pressure forced city officials to require the building to install supports that allowed reconstruction to continue.
This red-tailed hawk became a symbol of urban wildlife, inspiring documentaries and books that drew people from around the world. His story showed how wild birds could thrive and capture the hearts of people living in a major city.
The best viewing is from Fifth Avenue across from Central Park, where you can look up at the building ledges where the nest sits. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best chance to spot movement and activity from the birds.
The hawk had multiple partners over the years, each with their own name and personality, showing the long lifespan these birds can achieve. Some of his offspring went on to establish their own territories at other locations around the city.
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