During the January snowstorm, I could see from my window that an American Kestrel was scanning the park from the crown of City Hall’s statue of Lady Justice. A light dusting of snowflakes accumulated on her head and shoulders.
Below in City Hall Park, a gray squirrel scurried around in the snow, possibly digging for snacks it had hidden away earlier in the season.
The squirrel was probably too big for a kestrel to go after. Kestrels in the city usually prey on mice and smaller birds.
But it would be a good catch for the Red-tailed Hawk that cruised past.
Both the kestrel and the squirrel quickly moved along, just to be safe.
The left hand of the statue holds the symbolic scales of justice.
Her right hand grips a sword.
But the birds are oblivious to her crown and sword, and her judgments.
Twittering starlings sometimes gather on her head.
And also the cawing crows that have been spending the winter in City Hall Park.
I was happy to see the statue so well used and appreciated by the local birds.
And also to be able to observe their activities from my window without having to stand out in the cold.
