I had no clue, before seeing this by chance last night, that one of New York City's most famous residents is a red-tailed hawk. The story of Pale Male's exploits was so enjoyable that it inspired me to search all over the Web for the copious information I found on him. Hawks apparently live 12-13 years, but this fellow has been captivating otherwise jaded New Yorkers for well over a decade. Four wives, 26 chicks, and termed a "one-bird pigeon snuff squad" for his falcon-like hunting habits, Pale Male is something of an institution in Central Park. Almost enough of an inspiration to use my "air miles" for a trip to the Big Apple to see him while he's still around!
2 Reviews
It isn't about Norweigians.
TxMike10 December 2005
I suspect few if any would glean anything from the title of this documentary movie, unless they were among the faithful few watching the main character mate repeatedly and raise his family. Those same faithful named him, "Pale Male", this Red-tailed Hawk that took up residence in Manhattan, lighter in color than other hawks of that type, and the first known to inhabit this city.
Just short of an hour, this film begins in 1991 when the hawk first shows up, perching on high railings of exclusive apartment buildings across the street from the 800+ acre Central Park. Feasting on the abundance of mice, rats, and pigeons. Then a female shows up, they mate, repeatedly. With binoculars and long lens cameras, the cadre of watchers grows with each change of seasons. But disappointment sets in. Each year no baby birds. Then, without explanation, 3 babies show up. Within weeks they are exercising their wings, testing their ability to hover, then finally flying uneasily and clumsily across the street to hang upside down from a handy branch. Until dad takes them up and teaches them the finer points of flying and diving.
Over the years the Pale Male had survived 3 mates, was with his 4th, and had raised double-digits of young Red-tail Hawks. The film is so good because of how we watching, and the New Yorkers participating in the vigils, connect with this miracle of Nature. It brings strangers together to make new friends. We learn from the birds, just because it hasn't been done before doesn't mean it shouldn't be done.
On DVD from my public library.
Just short of an hour, this film begins in 1991 when the hawk first shows up, perching on high railings of exclusive apartment buildings across the street from the 800+ acre Central Park. Feasting on the abundance of mice, rats, and pigeons. Then a female shows up, they mate, repeatedly. With binoculars and long lens cameras, the cadre of watchers grows with each change of seasons. But disappointment sets in. Each year no baby birds. Then, without explanation, 3 babies show up. Within weeks they are exercising their wings, testing their ability to hover, then finally flying uneasily and clumsily across the street to hang upside down from a handy branch. Until dad takes them up and teaches them the finer points of flying and diving.
Over the years the Pale Male had survived 3 mates, was with his 4th, and had raised double-digits of young Red-tail Hawks. The film is so good because of how we watching, and the New Yorkers participating in the vigils, connect with this miracle of Nature. It brings strangers together to make new friends. We learn from the birds, just because it hasn't been done before doesn't mean it shouldn't be done.
On DVD from my public library.
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