What Is It?

Hawk? or Falcon?

As a kid growing up in The Bronx, many would be surprised to know how much I LOVE nature. Coming from such an urban environment though, most would think that I don't have much access to "nature". Coming from such an urban environment, it never ceases to amaze me when I encounter an animal I don't expect.  Until today, I think the most amazing animal I ever came across, was the little bat that lay in my husbands path as he walked the dog one day - but that is a story for another day.

Our bedroom overlooks our backyard through a rather large window.  Yes, we are fortunate to have a backyard here in The City.  Not much larger than most NYC living spaces but, thanks to my father's efforts when we first moved into this house 30 years ago, has an abundance of flora, including a 30ft tree in one corner that he planted, and 2 other 30+ft trees in 2 other corners that have held up to the weather and constant threats of being cut down.  The other 2 are not in our yard so we don't have any control over those trees...so I just pray everyday.

One day, my husband came home from doing laundry and as he entered the bedroom, his face just lit up as he focused on the window, walking past me uttering the words "Rachel!  Is that an eagle?  I think there is an eagle in the backyard".  At first I just "knew" he had to be wrong.  I couldn't imagine an eagle making its way to The Bronx.  The sheer excitement on his face had me convinced.  I got up to look.  While it was not an eagle, it was a large predatory bird - either a hawk or a falcon, both of which exist in New York City- the likes of which I have never seen anywhere near my backyard.    We watched it watching something off in the distance that we couldn't see but knowing it must have been scoping out lunch.  I managed to get one photo of the bird before it took off to grab & go.

I believe it was a hawk.  If you know otherwise, I would appreciate your input.