Bald Eagles are not terribly uncommon in New York City, ever since a remarkable comeback in the 1970s, but still... when is the last time you saw one? They remain elusive, unlike the common pigeon. However, as I type this, there is one holding court in Riverside Park. And not only that, he's in a Godzilla vs. Mothra stand-off with a red-tailed hawk. Things are eerily quiet, as the two are perched in stillness, not acknowledging one another.
David Barrett, who runs the Manhattan Bird Alert account, is updating me from the ground. "Our Red-tailed Hawks stay in the city and the parks, killing squirrels and birds," he says, "So they have different hunting grounds [than bald eagles], which is another reason it is unusual to see both species perching 10 feet apart in a park!"
Let's get down to some eagle facts while we wait to see where this goes. Barrett says bald eagles are common here if you know where to look, however, he notes, "a Bald Eagle perching in Manhattan is quite unusual!" Typically you will see them in transit, flying overhead, dipping down into rivers for food.
"Eagles want fish or eels," Barrett says, "But they will also kill waterfowl or small mammals. They are opportunistic. They will eat any animal they can get." Like a red-tailed hawk? Time will tell.
Barrett believes if the two fought, "in close quarters, the bald eagle wins... but in flight, the Red-tailed Hawk is faster and can maneuver more quickly, [it] can harass a flying eagle without much risk."
Refresh this post frequently for updates on these two crazy birds.
Update: They've parted ways peacefully... for now.
