UPDATE AND PHOTOS BY JEFF JOHNSON (Many thanks Jeff!!!)
Got into the Park at 1850 and swept by the last known location of
the sick fledge again with no joy. Vectored NW since the fledges seemed
to be generally going that way and by luck came upon a very easily seen
fledge because the light reflected off its breast so that it looked
almost illuminated for a few minutes when seen from the NE quadrant.
Sick
fledge was very apparent from the NE. AT first I thought it to be Opera
Star because it's body looks shrunken, despite the fact it has sort of
ruffled out its feathers in a pillowed effect. 1911 Metadata time.
Sick fledge from below shows pillowing of feathers and almost closed eyes. 1914 Metadata time.
Sick fledge from ESE close. Dark coloration strapped pattern and
shriveled appearance make me think this really is the same sick fledge
and not Opera Star. I didn't see or hear any Red-tails when I was in the
Park for 45 minutes during the afternoon. This evening, the only
Red-tail I could find was this sick one.
No further information was
shared about the fledge in rehab. I was told by hawk watchers that the
fledge I call Opera Star was seen in good health by the MET this
afternoon. 1937 Metadata time.
(This makes sense as the Cafe Duo tend to share meals and likely ate from the same poisoned rat.)
Tree (camera facing ESE along the east perimeter path to the center of
The Great Lawn where the sick fledge roosted for tonight. I suppose we
should take heart in that the fledge had the strength to move from the
tree she was in to this one. 1941 Metadata time.
All I could find out Donegal.
Jeff
You did well in finding her roost. This fledgling is running out of time. She's dehydrated, hungry, and likely having problems with internal bleeding and organ function.
If anyone finds her to be accessible, get a hold of her, (see below how to do that) and get her to rehab.
You get a hawk in hand by throwing something over her and getting her by the ankles and tucking her under your arm. The beak isn't a problem, it is the talons one must watch for. Though this hawk is so debilitated she probably wouldn't do much of anything. Then get her into a cardboard box if you can (no cages, it wrecks their feathers until the next molt) and call the Horvaths at 516-293-0587.
SOME GOOD NEWS ON THE FIFTH AVENUE FLEDGLING BEING CARED FOR BY THE HORVATHS!
(Though she isn't out of the woods yet!)
From Cathy Horvath--
The Fifth Avenue fledgling had blood work done today and we should have
results tomorrow. He looked a little better than yesterday , is perching
well and bright eyed and alert this morning and is keeping food down.
We are treating it even before results for poisoning and for frounce too but
don't know how much pigeon is eaten compared to definite rats being
consumed regularly.
Go Cathy!
Far more rats are being eaten than pigeons. Rats particularly poisoned ones, are far easier for the fledglings to catch. Though Pale Male does give lessons to his young on pigeon hunting, and he is spectacular at it.
But the pigeon population is way down (No I absolutely do not hate pigeons, they are beautiful and smart and terrific but they are also part of the NYC food chain. Hey I rehab pigeons, okay?) since the city instituted the no feeding ban in the city's green spaces.
Therefore, as I think everyone should have a good life, I'd think feeding the pigeons outside the park discretely, just outside the park, healthy bird seed, early in the day, in an area in which the birds can easily see the seed, like the sidewalk, and consume it ALL before nightfall when the rats will get it, might well make a difference to some hawks. And also keep the pigeons happy, healthy, and capable of raising the next generation of beautiful urban pigeons for us to enjoy.
And last but not least, donations towards the care of the Fifth Avenue Fledgling and many other animals under the Horvaths care can be sent to--
Wildlife in Need of Rescue and Rehabilitation
202 N Wyoming Ave
N Massapequa, New York 11758
N Massapequa, New York 11758
Get out there and make a difference!
Donegal Browne
