Construction of the new Meinig Fieldhouse at Cornell University began in 2024, with a unique focus on protecting the iconic red-tailed hawk known as Big Red. This beloved bird has been a fixture at the university, nesting atop the lights of Robison Alumni Fields for over a decade. Concerns about Big Red’s potential absence prompted university staff to take proactive measures to ensure the hawk could continue to thrive in her familiar environment.
Collaborative Efforts to Protect Wildlife
As the construction project commenced, staff from Cornell’s Facilities department, construction teams, and ornithologists collaborated to minimize disruption to Big Red and her young. Charles Eldermire, a multimedia producer at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, expressed the importance of maintaining the bird’s nesting site. “If at all possible, we wanted to see if we could maintain the site they were using and maintain the ability to stream from there,” he stated. This commitment highlights the university’s dedication to both its infrastructure and local wildlife.
Throughout the construction process, workers were often charmed by the hawks, who fluttered between steel beams and perched on cranes. Jake Duell, the construction manager for Cornell Facilities, noted the unusual affection the crew developed for the birds. “It’s funny because they are the most hardened guys that I’ve known forever, and they’re so soft when it comes to these birds,” he remarked. The team even created a makeshift birdbath to help keep the hawks cool during the hot summer months.
Initially, plans involved the removal of twelve aging light poles, two of which had previously supported Big Red’s nest. In a bid to protect the hawks, Facilities decided to leave these two poles standing throughout the winter, hoping that Big Red would return to nest once again. “It was really just a shot in the dark that they would come back,” Duell admitted.
The Significance of Big Red’s Nesting Site
As Big Red reaches the age of 22, her nesting site has become critically important. Wild red-tailed hawks typically live between ten to fifteen years. Eldermire emphasized the need to cherish each remaining year. “Each of these years that we have left, you can’t take them for granted,” he said. The university’s efforts to protect this iconic bird have not only preserved her habitat but also enriched the lives of many viewers around the world.
For countless birdwatchers, watching Big Red’s eggs hatch and her chicks grow has transformed their identities. Eldermire noted that many viewers become birdwatchers through the live streams, sharing their excitement online and fostering a sense of community. “That’s the power of that site,” he added. The connection between Big Red and her audience underscores the intersection of education, conservation, and community engagement.
The construction of the Meinig Fieldhouse not only aims to provide indoor practice, competition, and recreation spaces for students but also serves as a testament to the importance of coexisting with nature. Cornell University’s thoughtful approach reflects a growing awareness of the need to protect local wildlife while advancing infrastructure projects.
