Birds of Prey
Last week, I saw my second bird of prey in center city. The first time I saw one, it was over by the Society Hill Towers, I think in the late summer or early fall, devouring its victim with gusto. After consulting friends who know better than I, I was pretty sure it was a peregrin falcon. This was especially exciting, because I had just read On the Wing, by Alan Tennant. And, they are a threatened species.
Again, I spotted a bird finishing off his prey, last week near the corner of 3rd and Walnut. The telltale sign - bloody feathers on the sidewalk - told me to look up. Again, I spotted this bird while alone. I almost wonder if it was a sign. I’m not sure what type of bird it was this time. It was smaller, and it is also winter.
Has anyone seen birds like this in the city? It’s very exciting!
Related posts:
i see redtail hawks at least once a week out in university city. only been lucky enough to catch one eating a pigeon once, though. it’s always enough to make me grin to myself, and wonder how many other folks are noticing the hawk, too.
Saw a redtail yesterday, circling over Waverly near 13th.
The most exciting glimpse was in the summer, when I saw a peregrine falcon attempt a strike on a pigeon at 11th & South (he missed!). He came right down near people, too. Very cool.