Squawks Over Eviction of Famed Hawk

NEW YORK —  Incensed bird lovers intensified their protests Saturday outside the ritzy Upper East Side apartment building where the nest of famed red-tailed hawk Pale Male was removed even as meetings were set to discuss bringing back the hawk’s home.

Holdings signs saying “Protect Family Values, Bring Back the Nest” and “Honk for the Hawks,” the crowd chanted “Bring back the nest!”.

It was the fourth day of protests outside the building. The hawk’s nest and metal spikes that supported it were taken down Tuesday.

John Flicker, president of the National Audubon Society, said the conservationist group would meet with the building’s management Monday to ask that the metal spikes be returned. So far, Pale Male’s attempts at rebuilding a nest have been futile.

“The whole city has fallen in love with these birds,” he said.

Pale Male became a local attraction in 1993 when he built his nest on a window cornice 12 stories above Central Park. Metal spikes, used to deter pigeons, provided support for the nest and protection from the wind.

The hawk inspired a book, a documentary, and fans who watched Pale Male and his mates raise more than 20 chicks.

A building spokesperson said the nest was removed because of safety and health issues.

Actress Mary Tyler Moore, who lives in the building, said this week: “I am just amazed at the insensitivity ... of people who have torn away a nest that had been used for 10 years by an extraordinary red-tail hawk.”

Moore attributed the decision to complaints over “occasional bird droppings.”

Hawk supporters promised “guerrilla” tactics to bring back the nest, and websites posted the names of building residents, including Richard Cohen, husband of newscaster Paula Zahn.

Protester Melodie Bryant said the building management made a mistake by angering bird watchers, who are well-known for waiting to catch a glimpse of a rare bird.

“Don’t try and wear out a bird watcher with patience,” she said. “We’ll wait for hours.”

A protest was set for today.