Central Park is enchanting on a lush summer afternoon. One of the most magical spots is at The Falconer statue, on the south side of 72nd Street drive.
Situated on top of a large rock formation, The Falconer is a sweet place to stop for a bit and view the park. Because it’s high up, passersby won’t always realize you’re there.
The bronze statue itself is pretty captivating. Designed by British sculptor (and falconer) George Blackall Simonds, it’s a replica of the original, which was on display in Italy in the 19th century.
An Irish merchant who later lived in New York admired it and commissioned a copy for his adopted city. It was dedicated in 1875.
The statue seems so fitting, considering the peregrine falcons known to make the park their hunting ground.
Tags: George Blackall Simonds, Peregrine Falcons, statues in Central Park, The Falconer, The Falconer Central Park
August 28, 2009 at 5:27 pm |
Wonderful book, “The Falconer of Central Park” by Donald Knowles, came out in 1984. Probaly available in paperback. Very worth checking out.
August 28, 2009 at 5:42 pm |
It sounds interesting; thanks for the suggestion. Here’s a description I found:
This book is about the author’s discovery of a beautiful sanctuary in the midst of harsh urban realities, Central Park, NYC. Includes a checklist of birds observed by the author in Central Park.”It is a marvelous story of birds and other wildlife, of several varieties of the human species.”
September 2, 2009 at 9:56 pm |
There is a place in western Ireland that for a fee will show you how to be a falconer for an hour.
http://www.falconry.ie/