Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Improving Pale Male and Lola's Fifth Avenue Nest
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 12, 2008
Modified Mar 12, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 12, 2008
Modified Mar 12, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Two New Yorkers whose sex lives have been an open book are red-tailed hawks Pale Male and Lola, whose fight for their Fifth Avenue digs was closely watched by New Yorkers. The latest bit in their saga: Some nest renovation work to make sure they can successfully procreate!
Since moving into their fancy nest at 927 Fifth Avenue in the spring of 2005, the pair have failed to hatch a chick. The NYC Audubon Society and Parks Department became concerned and decided to remove the pigeon spikes that were protruding from the nest. According to the Parks Department, "The spikes appeared to impede the bird’s ability to roll their eggs to evenly distribute embryonic fluids and tissues. The spikes also appeared to interfere with the hen’s ability to make proper contact with the eggs to her brood patch and keep the eggs consistently warm."
The work was completed and, it's believed Lola laid an egg last Thursday! Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said, "Over the years, the story of Pale Male and Lola has enthralled New Yorkers and nature lovers all over the world; we are thrilled to be able help make the Fifth Avenue nest a friendlier environment. Red-tail hawks are native to New York City and this spring we are hopeful that new chicks are born to continue the cycle of life.”
Check out more photos at Lincoln Karim's PaleMale.com.
Photograph of workers removing spikes from Pale Male and Lola's next by Jeff Kolbrunner
Tagged
fifth avenue
lola
pale male
red-tailed hawk
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress
A primer on the races for governor, attorney general and the congressional districts that could help determine control of the U.S. House.
By
Walter Wuthmann
,
Jon Campbell
and
Brigid Bergin
Published Oct 23, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
Forest Hills Stadium can keep its concerts under deal with neighbors
Neighbors had complained of traffic and loud concerts for years.
By
Ryan Kost
News
Forest Hills Stadium can keep its concerts under deal with neighbors
Neighbors had complained of traffic and loud concerts for years.
By
Ryan Kost
NYC Council to grill Mamdani officials on collapsed Hunts Point Produce Market deal
By
Elizabeth Kim
NYPD arrests 17-year-old in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting
By
Charles Lane
Ex-Adams aide accused of pocketing kickbacks from community program funds
By
Samantha Max
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .