Serious Fortification along the East River

What in the world? Why these iron bars, fence upon fence of chain Link, barbed wire, odd shaped stanchions, wood pilings and a Moat? That must be one scary life form out there. We better come back in daylight for a second look.

See that rusty iron railing? Don't come here without a tetanus shot!

Wait a minute! Earth,  metal, wood, water, wind, and wasn't there a fire here awhile ago?  This must be the home of the Mythical Sacred Piling-Sitting Phyruddah Bird! How lucky we are to catch sight!.