# Red-tailed hawks given boot from Manhattan nesting ground-WTF!? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 9, 2004, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875 "2004-12-09T04:01:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Neurotik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/91b2a8/32.png) [@Neurotik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neurotik)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/21 "2004-12-09T18:04:01Z")
> [@nyctea scandiaca](#): > > IYes the owner of the building has the right to take the nest down. However, one would hope he weighed the pros and cons. Was the building in danger of suffering structural damage? No. Was anyone’s life or health in danger? No. Was it an eyesore? No. Quite the opposite - it was an attraction that drew people to watch. I really don’t get what the problem was. IMO, it certainly didn’t rise to the level that they needed to destroy a wild animal’s home. According to the Daily News article I read, pieces of the nest feel down pretty regularly and the hawks enjoyed dumping carcasses off the side of the nest and into the entryway when they were done eating. ---
**Author:** ![Punoqllads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d2c977/32.png) [@Punoqllads](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punoqllads)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/22 "2004-12-09T18:33:29Z")
> [@Neurotik](#): > > According to the Daily News article I read, pieces of the nest feel down pretty regularly and the hawks enjoyed dumping carcasses off the side of the nest and into the entryway when they were done eating. Enjoyed? \ “Ow! Hey!” \ “Fucking birds.” ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/23 "2004-12-09T18:39:43Z")
Re the points posted in this thread: 1. A pox, a weeping, purulent pox on those who continue to use any and every opportunity to throw stones at the current administration. Grow a set or get a new hobby, would you? Your shtik is beyond old. 2. While bird poop is acidic, airborne pollution and acid rain also are detrimental to stonework. Many companies produce chemical treatments to waterproof/seal and protect stone fascia. 3. I wasn’t aware that the privacy of building occupants was being infringed by those who admire the birds. That’s really the only compelling argument for nest removal that I’ve read, and sadly it isn’t the fault of the birds. If I lived there, I’d enjoy a spot from inside where I could watch the hawks, and otherwise draw my blinds. 4. The critters were here first. Nature isn’t confined to encyclopedias and the zoo. It’s right outside your window, if you allow it to be there. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/24 "2004-12-09T18:40:06Z")
Pigeon: “Dude, check out this shot! Wall Street suit, pigeon shin in the hair, ten points!” Hawk: “Fuck that action, man. Poop ain’t nothin. Check out the Fifth Ave bimbo with the rat guts right in her Prada bag. Yes, I’m the fuckin man. And by the way . . . you’re looking kinda plump today, pal.” Pigeon: “Gulp.” ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/25 "2004-12-09T18:42:28Z")
> [@andros](#): > > Pigeon: “Dude, check out this shot! Wall Street suit, pigeon shin in the hair, ten points!” > > Hawk: “Fuck that action, man. Poop ain’t nothin. Check out the Fifth Ave bimbo with the rat guts right in her Prada bag. Yes, I’m the fuckin man. And by the way . . . you’re looking kinda plump today, pal.” > > Pigeon: “Gulp.” Hehe…it’s like _Goodfeathers_ meets _The Godfeather_… ---
**Author:** ![manhattan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manhattan/32/7_2.png) [@manhattan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manhattan)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/26 "2004-12-09T18:44:21Z")
Maybe the co-op board’s president got a [Chihuahua](http://www.wnbc.com/news/2384499/detail.html)? ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/27 "2004-12-09T18:45:19Z")
> [@danceswithcats](#): > > 1. The critters were here first. If that were the criteria, the trilobytes would be in charge of things. ---
**Author:** ![Maeglin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8baadc/32.png) [@Maeglin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maeglin)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/28 "2004-12-09T18:46:52Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > If that were the criteria, the trilobytes would be in charge of things. The trilobytes think so, too. Or at least the fossilized one in my room does. ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/29 "2004-12-09T18:47:55Z")
> [@danceswithcats](#): > > Re the points posted in this thread: > > 1. A pox, a weeping, purulent pox on those who continue to use any and every opportunity to throw stones at the current administration. Grow a set or get a new hobby, would you? Your shtik is beyond old. Just a note—when the current administration decides to stop being a cadre of shameless poltroons, liars, and _goniffs_, our criticism will cease. Until that day, get used to it 'cause it ain’t stopping. ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/30 "2004-12-09T18:50:17Z")
I forgot to include that I absolutely agree with the rest of your post. A world that has no room for wild things is a very sad world indeed. ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/31 "2004-12-09T18:50:25Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > If that were the criteria, the trilobytes would be in charge of things. You’re right. Ever since I installed another 512 trilobytes of RAM, my PC has been crazy fast. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/32 "2004-12-09T18:50:39Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > If that were the criteria, the trilobytes would be in charge of things. What makes you think they _aren’t_?! :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/33 "2004-12-09T18:51:40Z")
> [@danceswithcats](#): > > 1. I wasn’t aware that the privacy of building occupants was being infringed by those who admire the birds. That’s really the only compelling argument for nest removal that I’ve read, and sadly it isn’t the fault of the birds. If I lived there, I’d enjoy a spot from inside where I could watch the hawks, and otherwise draw my blinds. You’d draw your blinds all day, every day? Never to let the sun or fresh air inside? Never to gaze at the park across the street? ---
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2004, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/34 "2004-12-09T19:54:35Z")
> [@Machetero](#): > > Pissing off an already insane animal rights nut really shouldn’t off put them too much. Maybe the malignant cunt will move out and someone normal could move in instead. I could let this pass without “WTF”—Mary Tyler _Moore?_ ---
**Author:** ![Mehitabel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@Mehitabel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mehitabel)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/35 "2004-12-10T02:02:53Z")
\ REALLY! Consider yourself reproved, **Machetero**. The Paper of Record has an [article](http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/09/nyregion/09hawk.html) AND an [editorial.](http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/09/opinion/09thu3.html) I dunno. They’re not endangered and they’re just birds and will rebuild. They don’t have feelings or regrets. I wouldn’t like my kids to find dismembered rats and pigeons on the sidewalks, and a nine-foot nest is not something I’d want under my window. But it’s sort of a jerkish thing for the building to do somehow too. ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/36 "2004-12-10T02:32:47Z")
> [@This Year's Model](#): > > You’d draw your blinds all day, every day? Never to let the sun or fresh air inside? Never to gaze at the park across the street? No-if I knew people were constantly watching the hawks, and me, I’d likely behave as the Frenchman atop the castle in Holy Grail. _Go away, or I shall taunt you a second time-eh._😛 ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/37 "2004-12-10T04:39:24Z")
[Pale Male and Lola haven’t given up.](http://www.newsday.com/news/local/state/ny-bc-ny--high-risehawks1208dec08,0,786642.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork) ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/38 "2004-12-10T04:49:54Z")
I’ve looked through the telescopes and you don’t see into anyone’s windows. I would probably feel a bit paranoid if I lived near the nest but I was under the impression that the person nearest to the nest loved the birds. I’ve looked for and can’t find the first image of Pale Male that I saw. I was in Time Out and for the restaurant reviews there was a picture of Pale Male standing on top of a very recently deceased pigeon with the caption of “Upper East Side - Under $5”. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/39 "2004-12-10T14:20:01Z")
Against all odds, the pair of hawks has decided to, get this… [roost somewhere else.](http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/260783p-223242c.html) Amazing! Personally, I expected them to leap to their deaths from the Brooklyn Bridge after this tragedy befell them. NYC has plenty of hawks, and these two will be just fine in their new digs. All the complaining birdwatchers can now walk down the block for their free entertainment. ---
**Author:** ![Homebrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Homebrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homebrew)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2004, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875/40 "2004-12-10T16:11:12Z")
> [@Zebra](#): > > I’ve looked through the telescopes and you don’t see into anyone’s windows. I would probably feel a bit paranoid if I lived near the nest but I was under the impression that the person nearest to the nest loved the birds. Or if you’re an exhibitionist, you could leave your blinds open and dance naked for the birdwatchers. 'Course that might just be me. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-tailed-hawks-given-boot-from-manhattan-nesting-ground-wtf/278875.md?page=3)