There was a demonstration this evening in front of 927 Fifth Avenue. Building management took down the nest of two red-tailed hawks that had lived there for more than a decade.

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Nicknamed "Pale Male," the male hawk became quite famous, to the point where he has his own website.

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Since 1993, the male hawk has sired 23 young. He was quite a celebrity, drawing New York bird watchers, schoolchildren, and naturalist tourists.

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A lawyer for the building, Aaron Shmulewitz, claimed that the building's engineer suggested removing the nest because it violated city health and safety laws. A spokeswoman for the Department of Buildings said that this wasn't the case.

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Incredulous at the destruction of the hawks' home, particularly in the month of December, concerned citizens gathered to voice oppostion.

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So far, the building hasn't commented on whether or not they will replace the hawks' perch. Some suspect that the hawks will find another ledge from which to watch the residents of the city.

It is terribly sad that some of the wealthiest residents of New York couldn't find a way to live with these birds. The city is just a bit emptier this evening.