Staten Island’s Ferry Hawks Make a Comeback

Staten Island’s ferry hawks are soaring again, delighting NYC birdwatchers this winter. After years of decline, the red-tailed hawks that nest near the ferry terminal have doubled their numbers, thanks to a new conservation push. Locals like Mia Chen, a St. George retiree, spot them daily, swooping over the harbor for prey. The city’s Parks Department credits cleaner water and more rats—hawk fast food—for the boom. Binoculars are out in force as the birds perch on lampposts, unfazed by honking horns. It’s a wild slice of nature in NYC’s least wild borough.

The rebound started with a nest built atop the ferry’s control tower, dubbed ‘Hawk Central’ by regulars. Volunteers from the Audubon Society installed cameras, streaming the hawks’ lives to a growing online fanbase. Last night, a fledgling’s first flight drew cheers from commuters waiting for the 7 p.m. boat. Park ranger Tariq Evans says pesticide bans and habitat fixes turned the tide. The hawks even nabbed a pigeon mid-air yesterday, a show that stopped traffic. Staten Islanders are claiming them as borough mascots.

Not everyone’s thrilled—pigeon lovers gripe about the carnage, and some fear hawks might snatch small pets. Ferry workers complain about droppings gumming up the docks, though most laugh it off. The birds’ resurgence has sparked debate about balancing wildlife with urban life. Still, tourism’s up, with birders riding the free ferry to catch a glimpse. A local diner’s selling ‘Hawk Wings’—spicy chicken—to cash in. It’s classic NYC: adapt and monetize.

The hawks’ return feels like a win for a borough often overlooked in the city’s story. Chen, who’s watched them for decades, says, ‘They’re tough, like us.’ Evans predicts more nests by spring if the trend holds. For now, they’re a feathered spectacle against the skyline, linking Staten Island to NYC’s wilder past. Bring your camera next ride—these hawks don’t pose, but they deliver.