Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Pat Gonzalez

Splish, Splash

Posted in Wildlife on June 6 2013, by Matt Newman

Pat GonzalezSure, the first things you think of when hawks come to mind are probably hooked talons, beaks, and stealthy swoops on unsuspecting (and occasionally adorable) rodents. But beneath their noble profiles and well-earned heritage as the monarchs of the sky (sorry, butterflies), even our Red-tailed Hawks have moments of awkward indignation that border on the cute and fluffy. Bath time in particular—with all its flopping and splashing about—is usually cause for giggles. And lucky for us, this often takes place in the Fountain of Life just outside our offices in the Library Building.

Our resident hawk aficionado and Visitor Services Attendant, Pat Gonzalez, happened to be outside filming one of the local hawks as it fed, dodged resentful bluejays, and washed off the day’s exertions. I’ve bumped the video forward to the most comical bit, but you can catch the rest by dragging the cursor to the beginning.

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Morning Eye Candy: Ducks Up

Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on February 28 2013, by Matt Newman

When the ice is away, the ducks will play! Pat Gonzalez was out and about with her bird-friendly camera recently, snapping pictures of the raptors and fowl that spend their days in the Garden. While on the prowl, she happened upon this Red-breasted Merganser, looking decidedly punk with his full mohawk. The mallards, meanwhile, wanted nothing to do with the poultry paparazzi.

Red-breasted Merganser

Mallards

Photos by Pat Gonzalez

Morning Eye Candy: A Game of Hawk and Mouse

Posted in Around the Garden, Photography, Wildlife on January 6 2013, by Patricia Gonzalez

It was a lovely Tuesday morning with cloudless blue skies. I had about an hour and a half before my shift at the NYBG began, so I decided to try my luck spotting a young Red-tailed Hawk that I’d been photographing for weeks. I believe that this is one of the three hawks born earlier this year at the Fordham University nest. His mom is Rose, who I’ve been photographing since 2008. After walking the forest for about an hour, I exited near the Wetlands Trail, where I soon saw my friend. He tried his darnedest to take on a squirrel inside the twisted snag, which resulted in a hilarious game of hawk and mouse with the squirrel living to eat peanuts another day.

I also had an opportunity to shoot a little video of the pair in action, which you can see here.

Red-tailed Hawk

Photo by Patricia Gonzalez

Morning Eye Candy: Thursday on the Wing

Posted in Around the Garden, Photography, Wildlife on May 31 2012, by Matt Newman

Look to have a bird-brained afternoon as we set aside this beautiful Thursday to celebrate the treetop tweeters of The New York Botanical Garden! We’re flora people, yes, but there’s a majesty (and, at times, comedy) to the diverse fauna of the Garden. Nothing speaks of elegance and grace quite like a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk fumbling its lunch all over Tulip Tree Allée.

If you’re looking to get better acquainted with our feathered friends, stop by on Saturday mornings for the weekly Bird Walk with resident expert Debbie Becker! Binoculars, cameras, and gasps of awe welcome.

Photo by Pat Gonzalez

Please Give a Hoot

Posted in Around the Garden on March 25 2011, by Plant Talk

Ann Rafalko is Director of Online Content.

Hello all! So I’ve heard from several sources that you guys are all just as excited as we are about the family of Great-Horned Owls that have just successfully hatched a nest of chicks for the first time since 2009! The owls are really amazing birds, and just one aspect of what makes the Garden such a special place.

Great-Horned Owl Chick

That said, just like any new family, the owls need a little peace and quiet. I received this email today from Jessica Arcate-Schuler, Manager of the Forest where the owls are nesting:

Please advise all visitors to stay on Azalea Way while viewing the Great Horned Owls nesting at the edge of the Forest. First and foremost, this is to prevent any disturbance to the owls and owlets. Secondly, to help steward the Forest by not trampling newly planted restoration plants, salamanders, and causing soil compaction. Notify visitors that the nest and male owl, when he is on his normal perch, are both visible from Azalea Way and can be seen with binoculars.

With the excitement of the owlets hatching, more and more people seem to be traveling to view our owls (I met a birder from Boston, this week!). For the health and well-being of the owls and the Forest, we appreciate your help.

 

So, please come to the Garden to see the owls! Please bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes, and bring your camera. But, please give a hoot, and do not disturb the owls. We’re working on something a little special that should hopefully let people who aren’t able to come visit get in on the owl excitement, so watch this space. Happy weekend everyone!

Proud Papa: Owl Chicks in the Forest!

Posted in Members, Photography, Wildlife on March 21 2011, by Plant Talk

Remember this guy standing guard over his nest? Well, it turns out, he’s a father now! For the first time since 2009, The New York Botanical Garden‘s Native Forest is home to at least two baby Great-Horned Owl chicks! First word on the nest came to us from NYBG member, Plant Talk contributor, and amateur wildlife photographer Pat Gonzalez, who says she has confirmed the existence of the chicks with New York City bird expert Dr. Robert “Birding Bob” Candido.

Mama and her baby owl. We have circled the chick in red. (photo by Pat Gonzalez)
Mama and her baby owl. We have circled the chick in red. (photo by Pat Gonzalez)

 

As Pat puts it, “Little white faces peeking out through the hole in that tree is a good thing” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

 

Owl Chick (photo by Pat Gonzales)
Owl Chick (photo by Pat Gonzales)