Two New Yorkers whose sex lives have been an open book are red-tailed hawks Pale Male and Lola, whose fight for their Fifth Avenue digs was closely watched by New Yorkers. The latest bit in their saga: Some nest renovation work to make sure they can successfully procreate!
Since moving into their fancy nest at 927 Fifth Avenue in the spring of 2005, the pair have failed to hatch a chick. The NYC Audubon Society and Parks Department became concerned and decided to remove the pigeon spikes that were protruding from the nest. According to the Parks Department, "The spikes appeared to impede the bird’s ability to roll their eggs to evenly distribute embryonic fluids and tissues. The spikes also appeared to interfere with the hen’s ability to make proper contact with the eggs to her brood patch and keep the eggs consistently warm."
The work was completed and, it's believed Lola laid an egg last Thursday! Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said, "Over the years, the story of Pale Male and Lola has enthralled New Yorkers and nature lovers all over the world; we are thrilled to be able help make the Fifth Avenue nest a friendlier environment. Red-tail hawks are native to New York City and this spring we are hopeful that new chicks are born to continue the cycle of life.”
Check out more photos at Lincoln Karim's PaleMale.com.
Photograph of workers removing spikes from Pale Male and Lola's next by Jeff Kolbrunner
