[Photo by Drew Heffron]
Last night, residents on Seventh Street between Avenue B and Avenue C noticed that a hawk was trapped in the airshaft between buildings on the block.
[Photo by Drew Heffron]
After a few emails that included Goggla, it was determined that this was Christo, the male resident red-tailed hawk of Tompkins Square Park. Christo was likely chasing a pigeon when he found himself unable to get back out. (His wingspan made it impossible to navigate the tight quarters.)
[Photo via @younglr]
After a few rescue attempts, one of the building's vigilant residents was able to track down Ranger Rob (aka Rob Mastrianni, a Manhattan Ranger supervisor). Turns out that Ranger Rob, who is also a musician, was performing at Caravan of Dreams on Sixth Street between Avenue A and First Avenue.
Ranger Rob arrived and had to figure out the best way to get to Christo (he also shared the photos below) ...
"It was a bit scary climbing into that space between the buildings," he told me. "Luckily someone let me in the basement and I climbed through a window."
And soon, Ranger Rob emerged with Christo...
"Christo was fierce, strong and had no signs of injury or sickness," said Ranger Rob, who brought Christo back to Tompkins Square Park. (Before releasing Christo, he spoke by phone with Bobby Horvath of the Long Island-based WINORR, the Wildlife In Need of Rescue and Rehabilitation, who helped him determine if the hawk was OK.)
Meanwhile, this morning, Steven saw Christo and Amelia — they are both doing well as mating season continues... these three photos are by Steven...
Great! Ranger Rob once helped me with a scared opossum running in the street by Houston. He was playing a gig at Anyway cafe and came by and boxed it up and brought it to the park where it was safe.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that they knew who to call to get his bad ass outta trouble is the funniest part! He's a cute bird. I think he found another side chick and she left him down there after ruffling his feathers. I am team Dora. I don't trust Christo, he ain't loyal and his new wife beat up Dora so well they have bad luck.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing story. Beautifully told. jg
ReplyDeleteThank you to the residents and Ranger Rob, who is our hero once again!
ReplyDeleteIf anyone sees a hawk they are worried about, please call 311 and ask for the Urban Park Rangers. They are trained to deal with situations such as this one.
Great post, excellent documentation. Hurrah once again for Ranger Rob (who has rescued hawks and other critters all over the city), and the photographers on the case. And Bobby Horvath at WINORR. And EVG for covering the adventure.
ReplyDeleteChristo the beautiful boy. I wonder if he recognizes Rob by now. Rob calls on those birds pretty often. Thanks, RR!
ReplyDeleteRanger Rob rocks! Thanks, Rob for doing hawk rescues between sets!
ReplyDeleteAnd kudos to the residents of the building and to WINORR as well; it's always great when the community comes together like this!
Ranger Bob for President! Good job, my dude!
ReplyDeleteOops, Ranger ROB! (I got excited)
ReplyDeleteThank goodness all those people knew to contact Goggla and Ranger Rob!
ReplyDeleteRob (and the Horvaths) have always been quick to help every time I've called them for help rescuing Washington Square Park Hawks too. Bless them.
I'm so glad Christo is OK!
Aww. What a beautiful creature! So happy he's back in natural habitat
ReplyDeleteThank you to Ranger Rob, and the residents who noticed something was wrong. Bless you all!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a mensch.
ReplyDeleteHe flew into a space he couldn't get out of? Bird brain.
ReplyDeleteAt least he had enough sense to look embarrassed.
Thanks, DrGecko! You are flying high with your im-peck-able observations!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. Thanks for everyone for saving Christo!
ReplyDeleteIf anybody knows; I'm just curious what the twine that is seen in the photos is about?
ReplyDeleteIs that secured around christo's talons in case he happened to get loose while being transported? Or did R.R. 'lasso' him? Just wondering.
The twine was in the air shaft and happened to be between Christo’s legs when Ranger Rob caught his talons. However, fearing that the twine might be wrapped around him, we cut it from where it was tied and moved Christo to safety, where it later fell from between his legs. So, not used in the rescue!
DeleteAmazing! Good job everybody! How did the residents know how to contact Ranger Rob? What should we do if we see a bird who need help?
ReplyDeleteLoved the up close photo of Christo! So handsome. And thanks a million Ranger Rob. You rock!
ReplyDelete@Audrey - I put a page up on my site with emergency contact info, but the first step would be call 311 and ask for the NYC Urban Park Rangers. They can assess the situation and advise what to do.
ReplyDeleteI saw Christo after church yesterday at St. Brigid's on Avenue B and he was none the worse for wear, in fact he was magnificent in the morning sun. Thanks to all who helped!
ReplyDeleteI Love this Great Story! Thank you Everyone
ReplyDelete