Queens Tribune

“The Urban Red-Tailed Hawk,” an exhibit of hawk family photographs by Jeffrey Kollbrunner opened at the Queens College Library on June 11, and presents images captured over the last five years from an up-close perspective.

These hawks have resided in Briarwood for more than 12 years.

“Using diverse photographic techniques that do not interfere with these incredible raptors, I have been able to get closer into their world,” Kollbrunner said. “Most of the images were captured with lenses ranging from 50 to 200mm; a few of the higher flight images were taken with a stronger lens. None of my photographs have been retouched or modified in any way; they are presented as they were originally captured.”

“Once I located this season’s nest in early January 2007, I approached the NYC Audubon with the nest site and Web cam concept. Excited about the educational opportunity, Audubon funded the equipment for the project,” he added.

A New York City agency gave him permission to install the Web cam on its building and broadband Internet access at the nest. Kollbrunner installed the Web cam, known as “Hawkcam” on April 10, the day before the eggs started to hatch. The Hawkcam became quite popular, with people observing the nest nationwide and around the world.

The NYC Audubon Society published two of Kollbrunner’s articles in 2006 on this hawk couple, along with his photographs. The article reflects more than 12 years of my observations relating to these hawks’ success, behavior and hardship living in our urban landscape.

“In the fall of 2005 I had a photo exhibition at a Birding and Spring Nature Weekend at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz,” he said. “This past year I developed and posted my own Web site www.jknaturegallery.com, dedicated to nature and wildlife. I update the Web site regularly with my photographs and nature and wildlife news.”

For more information visit www.jknaturegallery.com, send an e-mail to info@jknaturegallery.com or call (718) 263-6826.