Pale Male: Citizen Hawk of New York City
What’s inside...
Pale Male is a red-tailed hawk who chose to live in New York City's Central Park. Despite the challenges of city life, he thrives and raises many chicks, becoming a beloved city icon. The birdwatchers of Central Park were buzzing when a young red-tailed hawk was spotted. The bird, dubbed Pale Male, not only stayed but also became one of New York City’s most famous residents. He and his mate built their nest atop one of Fifth Avenue's swankiest apartment buildings. Over nine years, they raised 23 chicks, and Pale Male even earned the title of Father of the Year from a CBS newsman. However, in 2004, the building's residents removed the nest, causing an international outcry in support of the birds.
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Pale Male
Discussion points
What do you think Pale Male felt when he was looking for a home in New York City?
Why is it important to protect animals like Pale Male in big cities?
How do you think the people in the city felt about having a hawk like Pale Male around?
What can we learn from Pale Male's story about perseverance and adaptability?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Pale Male's 'talons'—ask how they would feel and what they would do in his situation.
Discuss the human-animal relationship in urban settings and why it’s vital for cities to accommodate wildlife.
Highlight the themes of perseverance by discussing how Pale Male continued to thrive despite challenges.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by asking about times they had to adapt to new situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Pale Male continually overcomes challenges, such as adapting to city life and facing human opposition.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that persistence and determination are key in overcoming obstacles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The story showcases the impact of urban environments on wildlife, emphasizing coexistence.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be conscious of their environment and promotes actions that support wildlife conservation.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Readers see the world through the eyes of Pale Male, gaining insight into the lives of animals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by showing kindness and consideration towards animals and nature.
Example Lesson: The importance of community support
Explanation: The rallying of New Yorkers to support Pale Male illustrates the power of community.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of community involvement and how collective efforts can lead to positive change.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: Pale Male's exploration of New York City highlights the joy of discovering new environments.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and learn about their own surroundings, fostering a sense of discovery and education.