Above_96th
@Above96th
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Not the best birder. Definitely not the best photographer. Usually in Central Park, but will travel for Timberdoodles! Also @ Above96th under those clear skies
Joined March 2015
Overcast and still in Central Park this morning, which enabled me to capture this Great Egret (and its reflection) on the Reservoir! I never tire of photographing these elegant herons!❤️❤️❤️#birdcpp #BirdTwitter
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Flaco has been spotted in a small community park on the Lower East Side. My guess is that he won't be returning to Central Park any time soon. He's free now and can make his own choices. This is one of my last photos of him and it's how I'll remember him saying goodbye. ❤️🦉❤️
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💔💔💔I awoke, here in Guatemala, to the heartbreaking news that our magnificent owl-king, Flaco, has died. 🧵 1/
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🥰🥰🥰When Flaco left Central Park in late October, I never thought I would see him again. But, as people saw him on Fifth Ave, I hoped he might return to the park. So, I was beyond elated when I saw him back on a familiar perch early this morning! ❤️🦉❤️ #Flaco #centralpark
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For years, people streamed past his enclosure in the Central Park Zoo. Today, on the 8th anniversary of his first morning as a free bird, Flaco chose to roost where he could watch thousands of New Yorkers walk, run and bike right beneath him. ❤️🦉❤️#Flaco #CentralPark #birdcpp
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I often see Flaco basking in sunshine--and even looking toward the sun. Then I realized, for the 13 years in his little enclosure, he probably never saw a sunrise or sunset. Well, he was enjoying the sunset this afternoon in Central Park!🌞🌞🌞#birdcpp #BirdTwitter
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🎉🎉🎉One year ago today, Flaco escaped his Central Park Zoo enclosure and began his remarkable adventure. I took this photo a week later, when his survival was very much in doubt and the zoo was actively trying to re-capture him. 🦉🧵#Flaco #CentralPark #birdcpp
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Some of you may know that Flaco was born in 2010 at the Sylvan Heights Bird Park in North Carolina. I believe this is a photo of Flaco's parents at that park! Imagine how proud they would be if they knew about their son's exploits in New York City! ❤️🦉🦉❤️ #Flaco 1/2
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Eleven months ago today, Flaco escaped the Central Park Zoo where he had lived in a small enclosure for most of his 13 years. Since then, he has enthralled New Yorkers with his ingenuity, resilience and love of freedom. Here's to you in 2024, Flaco! 🧵❤️🎉❤️ #Flaco #CentralPark
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Drama in Central Park! Another squirrel decided to try his luck with Flaco this afternoon. Tune in tomorrow to see what happened next! ⚡️⚡️⚡️#Flaco #CentralPark #birdcpp
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Today, Flaco begins his 8th month of freedom, having chosen to leave his Central Park Zoo cage. Most doubted he would survive after 13 years in captivity, but he has proven them wrong! I can't tell you how much I admire and adore this owl!❤️🦉❤️#Flaco #CentralPark #birdcpp
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One year ago today, on an equally steamy morning, I captured Flaco trying his best to stay cool as he slept. This is one of my all-time favorite photos of Flaco because we could all understand and appreciate why he was posing this way. ❤️🦉❤️ #Flaco #CentralPark #birdcpp
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After thirteen years in captivity, I think Flaco is grateful for every sunrise! He basks in the early morning light and often looks directly toward the sun. Spotted just after dawn today in Central Park.🌄🦉🌄#birdcpp #BirdTwitter
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Some of you may remember my post a month ago about a starving young Staffordshire Terrier named Harlem found in Central Park. Well, good news.
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Among the many things I have to be thankful for, seeing Flaco in Central Park for the last ten months ranks pretty high. Wherever you are Flaco, stay safe and I hope to see you again soon! #HappyThanksgiving
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🎉🎉🎉Huge news! Flaco has returned to Central Park!!! He looks great despite being harassed by crows! Welcome back! ❤️🦉❤️
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Drama in Central Park -- the prequel: The squirrel asked, "Excuse me, but are you Flaco the Ruthless or Flaco the Merciful?" Flaco responded, "I'm sorry, squirrel, I can't answer that. The only way to find out is to cross that branch." To be continued.
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🎉🎉🎉This morning, Flaco begins his ninth month of freedom after 13 years in a small enclosure in the Central Park Zoo. He's had to teach himself to fly, hunt, and ward off hawks and jays--defying the experts who said he wouldn't survive. And he has done it in style!❤️🦉❤️
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🦉🦉🦉Flaco and the Central Park squirrel (cont). After a lengthy stare down, the squirrel decided to take the lower branch and Flaco chose to let it pass! Flaco then went back to sleep and they both lived happily ever after! 😊😊😊#Flaco #CentralPark #birdcpp
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Harlem has been adopted by a couple in Florida who live on a couple of acres. As you can see, she is doing much, much better! ❤️❤️❤️
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Amazing photo of Flaco taken this afternoon on the Lower East Side. Talk about an urban owl--look at all the lights behind him! Stay safe, Flaco!❤️🦉❤️.
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⚡️⚡️⚡️Drama in Central Park (the finale): Despite his great fear of being devoured, Mr. Squirrel made one last dash across the branch. Flaco calmly watched him pass and even wished him and his family a #HappyThanksgiving! The End. 🦃🦃🦃
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🎉🎉🎉Guess who I ran into in Central Park this morning? Yes, one of my all-time favorites, an Indigo Bunting! And, wowza, was he handsome! 💙💙💙#birdcpp #indigobunting
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⚡️⚡️⚡️Drama in Central Park (p. 3): Mr. Squirrel was terribly frightened it would be eaten by Flaco the Ruthless. But it was eager to reach the acorns on the other side and slowly began inching across the branch. Flaco looked on with great interest and.
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Some days, it's better to be lucky than good! I was taking photos of this Northern Cardinal when a Blue Jay suddenly swooped in, startling us both! Happily, I kept the shutter pressed down. 🥰🥰🥰 #Cardinal #Bluejay #CentralPark #birdcpp
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How much did it rain in Central Park, you ask? Enough so that some of the Zoo's sea lions were able to leave their enclosure and swim around the zoo!
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🎉🎉🎉Today marks nine months since Flaco began his life in Central Park as a free bird. Doubted from day one, he has proved his determination and resilience over and over. Every day I see him brings me joy. 🙏🦉🙏 #Flaco #CentralPark #birdcpp
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🎂🎂🎂Hey, can everybody say Happy Birthday to Flaco? He hatched on this day 13 years ago in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. After spending nearly 13 years in captivity, I'm sure this will be his best birthday yet! 🥰🥰🥰#birdcpp #BirdTwitter
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Today would have been Flaco's 14th birthday! Born on March 15, 2010, Flaco would spend nearly 13 years in the Central Park Zoo. He then became known world-wide during his one year of freedom. Thank you for giving us so much joy, Flaco! ❤️🦉❤️ #Flaco #CentralPark #birdcpp
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Flaco didn't know it, but February 1, 2023 would be the last night he'd ever spend in his Central Park zoo enclosure. Thirteen years in a cage too small to fly in. The next night he'd leave the zoo and find himself on Fifth Avenue! #Flaco #CentralPark 📸@prsyl
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🎉🎉🎉Well, I'm happy to say I was wrong. Flaco reportedly returned to Central Park this evening!.
Flaco has been spotted in a small community park on the Lower East Side. My guess is that he won't be returning to Central Park any time soon. He's free now and can make his own choices. This is one of my last photos of him and it's how I'll remember him saying goodbye. ❤️🦉❤️
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Ventured over the Andes down into the Amazon and went birding along the Misahualli River. Saw many incredible birds, but none more stunning than the Masked Crimson Tanager! ❤️🖤❤️#Ecuador #BirdTwitter
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Forget Batman. Flaco is keeping Gotham safe now! ❤️🦉❤️.
It’s official…the UWS has a new undisputed king ….welcome Flaco to my hood! #birdcpp @BirdCentralPark
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I captured one of America's most beautiful birds--the Blue Jay--in flight in Central Park. I think Jays are fabulous, but I know not everyone agrees! 💙🖤💙#Jays #CentralPark #birdcpp
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Captured one of our magnificent young Red-tailed Hawks tip-toeing high in a White Oak tree this morning. If you❤️hawks, head over to the Central Park Nursery--three juveniles put on a show every day! #birdcpp
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Flaco's life in Central Park over the past 13 years. How it started. How it's going. ❤️❤️❤️
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🧵1/ omg, I saw not one but two coyotes early this morning in Central Park! This one was just staring at me (and my dog) for quite some time before trotting off. Look how magnificent he/she is! 🐺🌆🐺 #Coyote #CentralPark #birdcpp
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Ten months ago #Flaco made his famous escape from the Central Park Zoo. For nine months, he lived in the park, eating rats and enthralling passersby. He is now on the move and has been sleeping in UWS courtyards. Here is the last time I saw him in his favorite oak tree. ❤️🦉❤️
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🎉🎉🎉Flaco has returned to Central Park this morning! I’m out of town, but my friend Susan sent me this photo! Welcome back, Flaco! ❤️🦉❤️ #owls #flaco #centralpark
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omg, just as I was leaving Central Park empty-handed, I noticed a large flock of Cedar Waxwings flying overhead. I retraced my steps and found them at one of their favorite crabapple trees! Did I mention I absolutely love Waxwings? 🥰🥰🥰 #waxwings, #CentralPark #birdcpp
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🎉🎉🎉I saw Central Park's coyote in broad daylight during today's snowstorm!!! It came tearing down from McGowan's Pass, bounded over a 4' fence and slipped into the back of the Conservatory Garden! It looked absolutely magnificent! 🥰🥰🥰 #coyote #centralpark #birdcpp
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For 13 years, Flaco had no choice as people paraded past his enclosure. It’s so fascinating that now he often chooses perches where he can watch people streaming past. 🦉😎🦉#birdcpp #flaco #centralpark
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Welcome to the Upper West Side, Flaco! Spotted today in the West 80s! ❤️🦉❤️.
Flaco the Eurasian Eagle-Owl continues to enjoy life on the Upper West Side, resting on a fire escape in the West 80s today, a well-hidden, private location with no view from the street and no birds to bother him.
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I spotted this Great Egret as it flew out of a tree overhanging Central Park's Reservoir. I love how you can see its shadow on the wing! 🥰🥰🥰 #Egrets #CentralPark #birdcpp
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Guys, Flaco has moved back uptown and was spotted on Fifth Avenue earlier today! Keep an eye out for him. .
Flaco continued to enjoy his sunny life on Fifth Avenue earlier today, just across the street from Central Park, where perhaps he will go hunting later. Thanks to Sarah Bramwell for sharing this photo. 🦉 ♥️
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In the spirit of giving, Merry Christmas to all, including this squirrel whom Flaco allowed to pass unscathed so it could spend time with its family! ❤️🎄❤️ #Flaco #MerryChristmas #Birdcpp
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🎉🎉🎉Good news! Flaco survived his first #4thofJuly in the wild! He was sound asleep in his favorite Central Park roost early this morning--even a truck dropping off a dumpster didn't disturb him!💤💤💤 #birdcpp #Flaco
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Spring has really arrived in Central Park and it was wonderful to see Flaco taking it all in this morning. After 13 years in captivity, this is his first spring as a free bird! 🥰🥰🥰#birdcpp #birdtwitter
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Whoa! Flaco was spotted on the Lower East Side hunting atop someone’s air conditioner last night. Flew to a nearby balcony and then off into the night!.
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After all those years with people looking at him in his enclosure, Flaco's turning the tables. Fair is fair! ❤️🦉❤️.
Imagine the thrill of seeing Flaco show up on your windowsill and look back at you. Thanks to Nan Knighton for sharing this video she took on November 14 at her Fifth Avenue residence across from Central Park. 🦉 ♥️ 👀
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This is how I often saw Flaco in the weeks after his escape--sleeping contentedly in the early morning sunlight. It must have been cold that day, as he's all puffed up! One year ago today. ❤️🦉❤️#Flaco #centralpark #birdcpp
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❄️❄️❄️I was happy to see our Long-eared Owl was well-protected from the snowstorm blanketing Central Park this morning! A passing snowplow woke it briefly and gave me a fantastic look! (Video on my story on Insta @ above_96th)❤️🦉❤️ #owls #centralpark #birdcpp
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I usually see Flaco in the morning. But recently I spent time with him as the sun set. At one point, he turned toward me and--well you can see the result! I love how the fading light plays across his feathers.♥️🦉♥️#birdcpp #BirdTwitter
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Everyone is focused on how Flaco died, including me. But I'm reminding myself how he lived, too. Free, flying for the first time in his life, exploring the park and basking in sunshine. Taken one year ago today. ❤️🦉❤️#Flaco #CentralPark #birdcpp
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I just can’t get over the fact that every spring Bryant Park, a small park just a block from Times Square, is a Timberdoodle magnet! And yesterday I saw one doing its magical dance! 😍😍😍#birdcpp #timberdoodle
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Most days, I get one or two shots I like. Today, there were so many kinglets in Central Park's Wildflower Meadow that I got dozens. Here's one of my favorites--a Golden-crowned Kinglet perching on pokeweed. Look at that face!❤️💛❤️#Kinglet #CentralPark #birdcpp
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🎉🎉🎉I was thrilled to find Flaco, our Eurasian Eagle-owl, early this morning in Central Park (he hadn't been seen for three days)! He looked happy as ever and was cleaning his talons after what I suspect was another successful night of hunting! 🥰🥰🥰#birdcpp #BirdTwitter
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Another UWS Flaco sighting! Now he's checking out units on West End Avenue--seems to like apartments with fire escapes! 🌆🦉🌆.
@BirdCentralPark We saw him a few days ago on 85th and west end. He didn’t hoot, but hung out for a while
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We've been blessed with a rare visitor to Central Park -- a stunningly handsome Green-winged Teal! NYC is just on the northern edge of the Teal's wintering area. You're welcome any time, little guy! 💚🤎💚 #Teal #CentralPark #birdcpp
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Flaco is checking out all the building courtyards on the Upper West Side! Keep your eyes open if you live in the West 80s! ❤️🦉❤️.
Flaco on a fire escape on the Upper West Side yesterday. Welcome to the neighborhood, buddy! 💕🦉. #birds #birdwatching #birdcpp #flaco
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It's great to see Flaco with his eyes open, but I love to see him like this, resting peacefully high in a tree. Flaco has had an incredible ten weeks--learning to fly, hunting successfully and which part of Central Park he likes best! He needs a little shuteye!❤️🦉❤️ #birdcpp
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Benny was on Fifth Avenue February 2, 2023, the night Flaco's great adventure began. Incredible to think he could hardly fly after 13 years in a small enclosure. Yet, there he was, hooting from Manhattan water towers a few months later. Flaco did it his way. 💔💔💔.
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Wow, it looks like Flaco has started house-hunting! After a year of exploring Central Park and its environs, he may be ready to settle down in a place he can call home! 🥰🦉🏡.
Flaco was a busy boy on the night of his first anniversary of freedom. He perched briefly outside multiple brownstones and took a little look-see around. This past year has been an amazing gift! Thank you, Flaco!💕🦉. #birding #birds #birdcpp #flaco
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After record-setting rainfall for most of the day, I ventured out to check on our favorite Eurasian Eagle-owl. He's fine, though I must say he looked a little soggy and forlorn! And check out his talons! ❤️🦉❤️#Flaco #CentralPark #birdcpp
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Wowza! It was such an epic morning I went back to Central Park this afternoon and almost immediately I saw four Scarlet Tanagers in the same little tree! Including this beauty!❤️🖤❤️ #birdcpp #scarlettanager
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I caught up with Flaco early this morning resting comfortably on his favorite perch in Central Park. His ear tufts were getting buffeted by the strong breezes--which I doubt he ever experienced during the 13 years in his zoo enclosure! 🥰🥰🥰#birdcpp #BirdTwitter #Flaco
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🎉🎉🎉omg, I captured two male Northern Flickers in a "fencing duel" early this morning in Central Park! The males bob and weave while I prospective mate looks on. I've only seen this once before--and never captured it this well! 🥰🥰🥰#Flickers #CentralPark #birdcpp
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One thing I've learned since I started birding is that I really❤️❤️❤️ducks! I never knew how varied and stunning they are. Take, for example, this Wood Duck spotted today on Central Park's Reservoir. I mean, it's hard to believe this duck is real! 🎉🎉🎉#CentralPark #birdcpp
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💙💙💙omg, I had given up on spotting an Indigo Bunting in Central Park this year, but magically one appeared early this morning! And, yes, if I was this beautiful I'd be singing about it too! 🥰🥰🥰 #Bunting #CentralPark #birdcpp
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🎉🎉🎉I finally captured Flaco in all his majesty this morning, as he was flitting from branch to branch. Here, you can see (most of) his immense 6' wingspan! (This was literally the last capture before my battery died!) ❤️🦉❤️#Flaco #CentralPark #birdcpp
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Absolutely amazing! Today we had at least three magnificent owls in Central Park: Flaco, the Eurasian Eagle-owl, Geraldine, the Great Horned Owl and this beauty, a Long-eared Owl! First time I ever saw one! #birdcpp #birdtwitter
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Flaco's necropsy has been released: He had four different anticoagulant rodenticides in his system and a viral infection from eating pigeons that caused severe tissue damage and inflammation in many organs, including the brain. #Flaco
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⚡️⚡️⚡️Drama in Central Park (p. 4): But then Mr. Squirrel grew fearful and turned back. "If that's Flaco the Ruthless, what chance do I have? I better go around!" Flaco watched him descend, bemused like the Cheshire Cat. 🐿️😻🐿️
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Good morning from Central Park, where spring has most certainly sprung! 🥰🥰🥰#cardinals #cherrytrees #centralpark #birdcpp
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Caught up with Flaco in Central Park this evening and, as the sun started to set, he turned around as it went down. I also saw his wing fully extended! Incredible how large his wings are!😍🦉😍#birdcpp #birdtwitter
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To celebrate #SuperbOwl Sunday, here are some of my favorites: First up, Flaco! (Of course!) #owls #centralpark #birdcpp
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Flaco seems so content and comfortable in his new life in Central Park. I caught him snoozing this morning, dreaming his favorite owl dreams.❤️🦉❤️#birdcpp #BirdTwitter
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I know some were worried when Flaco went MIA for 24 hours, but rest easy--I saw him this morning. He's keeping a careful watch over Central Park joggers and cyclists!❤️🦉❤️#Flaco #CentralPark #birdcpp
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Coyote sighting in Central Park! My friend Kaz spotted two coyotes in the Ramble this morning and took this video of one of them. 🐺🐺🐺 #coyote #CentralPark
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