Harrison Street resident Liz Berger and her son, Winston Kruger, 23, had an unexpected—but decidedly welcome—rare wild visitor on Friday, Aug. 19.
A peregrine falcon—an endangered bird of prey that likes to nest in some of New York’s high bridges and buildings—landed on Berger’s balcony in Independence Plaza, staying for only five minutes but long enough for Kruger to take its portrait.
“It was amazing,” Berger said. “He absolutely was fearless. As we walked closer, he just sat there and stared.”
Falcons are making a comeback in New York, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The birds were nearly wiped out in New York due to the use of the pesticide DDT in the 1960s. After the spray was banned, their numbers began to rebound; in 2003, state conservation officials counted at least 50 nesting pairs in the state.
The rare birds of prey made local news this spring when a pair nesting at 55 Water Street hatched four little ones.Although the birds are growing in number, they are still a fairly rare sight for most city dwellers.
“It's one of the pleasures of living all the way up here on the river and on the 36th floor,” Berger said.
and it's a Juvie.
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