Red Hawk Down

Sometimes, despite the grime and traffic and human congestion, I love New York. Today is one of those days. Not just because I'm swooning from the new moon in Gemini or from the breezy 60 degree June weather. My appreciation for NY rejuvenated itself upon reading this headline in the Daily News: "Stranded baby hawk brings midtown to a screeching halt". Apparently a baby red tailed hawk (not the offspring of Pale Male and Lola) took his maiden flight on Tuesday night. Disoriented by the storm that ensued that night, the wee raptor was unable to ascend back up to his parent's nest atop the building near the Ziegfeld Theater. Apparently first flights are notoriously perilous. The parents of fledglings usually feed the chick until it is strong enough to continue the flight and return home. Although a hawk was spotted circling the chick, it did not descend due to the host of people crowded around the disoriented baby, who huddled against the wall.

Well, New Yorkers are nothing if not opinionated, action-oriented, and soft hearted. So the hue and cry went out to anyone and everyone. Call in the cops. Call in the Parks Department Rangers. Call the Bronx Zoo. Don't forget the Audubon Society or a hawk rehabilitator! The Rangers won out and swaddled the little guy in a blanket, checked for injuries and will return him once he's properly hydrated and fed. Can't wait to see the party they'll throw for him once he's reunited with his parents.