Top two photos by Daniel Root
The three red-tailed hawk fledglings continue to be active in Tompkins Square Park... even during the HEAT DOME, as Goggla noted ...
Meanwhile, someone has posted a homemade sign near where the hawks have been at play... reminding visitors that the fledglings are exploring the park — and asking dog owners to keep their pets leashed. (Photo by Stacie Joy.)
The laminated notice cites a "New York State law" requiring dogs to be on leashes.
While there isn't a statewide leash law, dogs are required to be leashed in New York City parks unless they're in a dog run or a designated off-leash area. In parks with off-leash hours, dogs are permitted off leash only from park opening until 9 a.m. and from 9 p.m. until closing, per NYC 311.
The sign doesn't appear to be an official Parks Department notice — there's no agency logo or branding — but its message echoes reminders from wildlife advocates and hawk watchers during fledgling season.
As the young hawks continue learning to fly and spend more time on or near the ground, keeping dogs leashed can help prevent potentially dangerous encounters for both wildlife and pets.
6 comments:
Thanks for posting this! I love dogs in the city and really hope folks do their best to keep them on leash in parks and playgrounds.
agree with JK. and love all dogs
But there's always people who don't use leashes at all or, at times, run their dogs without.
dogs are dogs, unlikely you can arrest and incarcerate them or their owners
I love the "protected by the wildlife association", sounds like the human fund from seinfeld.
But I'm sure most people would take it as official and believe there's a state law.
Pretty sure the signs are from NYC Parks, despite the lack of seal. There have been a lot of complaints lately about dogs off leash near the hawks. Stiff fines if you harm them:
From AI: All hawks in Tompkins Square Park are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law makes it illegal to harm, capture, or kill any native bird of prey. It also protects their eggs and feathers.The famous resident hawks in the park (like Red-tailed Hawks and visiting Cooper's Hawks) fall entirely under these strict federal rules.
Here are a few quick facts about these protections:
The Law: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects over 1,000 native bird species in the U.S..
The Penalties: Breaking this federal law can lead to a fine of up to $15,000 and time in jail.
Nests: It is illegal to disturb or remove a hawk's nest while it is occupied by eggs, chicks, or breeding adults.
Right! Leave them be already. Show some respect for nature and all its critters
Don Jr, stay out of our park!
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