What's with Pale Male and Lola?

People are writing me reproachful letters. Why don't you ever write about Pale Male and Lola any more? Grandkids, shmandkids, we want to know about our hero!

My reply: Pale Male and Lola are enjoying a much-deserved vacation. They are each sighted every so often in the park, but they 're not to be found anywhere regularly. Please wait patiently until next February when the noble pair should be beginning their family story again -- mating, incubating, baby-tending, etc.

And just imagine: come next spring, we might be following TWO redtail families in the park, Pale Male's on Fifth Ave. and Junior's down south. The Central Park Hawkwatchers are getting their walking shoes ready.