The Tale of the Peregrine falcon found recently in Sara Roosevelt Park at Broome Street. The falcon didn’t survive but it was such a powerful effort from all quarters trying to save him. (we hear that he was, likely, attacked by a Red Tail Hawk)
With thanks to Elizabeth, the Broome Street Park’s staff, Urban Park Rangers and Wild Bird Fund.
(warning: photo at the end may disturb)
From Elizabeth Hardwick, Bird Whisperer of Sara Roosevelt Park:
“Good morning, everyone!
To all who expressed interest in the fate of the recently found, and injured, Peregrine Falcon, here is his story:
After he was found on Broome St., and placed in a wire mesh shopping cart by the guys who found him, my neighbor Larry saw him and called me. I came over, asked Larry to get a black cloth and large box, and as I was about to organize sending someone with him uptown in a taxi to the Wild Bird Fund on the Upper West Side, a Parks Dept. worker came out of the little building in the Park, saw the bird, and said that he worked in that building, and that it was a Communications Center for the Parks Dept., and that he would go and call the Urban Bird Park Rangers. Who even knew there was such a group in the NYC Parks Dept.!
The worker left to call, and came back to tell those of us waiting with the bird that the UBPR’s would be there in about 30-40 minutes. In fact, they showed up much quicker than that, and with a private car and large animal carrying case, which they used to transport the falcon. There were 5 Rangers, and they could not have been nicer, although they were dressed up like police staff, and not in Parks uniforms. They told us that any time we find a bird on Parks property that needs help, they will come and take a look and do whatever would be the next logical step, such as taking the bird to a care center, such as the Wild Bird Fund.
A day later I emailed up to the Wild Bird Fund to check on the status of the majestic patient, and this morning received the following email from them:”
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The Wild Bird Fund Animal Care Team:
Dear Elizabeth,
Unfortunately, the peregrine falcon you helped bring to us was unable to pull through. Upon intake, he had likely been injured by a natural predator and had sustained extremely severe injuries. The large wound on his neck/chest area revealed that his esophagus had been torn open, and intestinal contents were found in the esophagus. While we can sometimes repair esophageal tears with surgery, the damage was too extensive in this case. This bird was at great risk of infections and further complications from the attack; and would never be able to eat again, as his digestive tract was too damaged. On top of this, both of his legs were broken at the hock. Overall, he had a very poor prognosis for recovery. Because of this, we made the decision to humanely euthanize him and prevent further suffering.
I know this is not the outcome you were hoping for, but please know that by helping to bring him in to us, you saved him from a great deal of future suffering. In cases like this, the kindest and most humane thing we can do is allow the animal to pass in peace and without pain.
Sincerely,
The Wild Bird Fund Animal Care Team.
We do not charge for our services, but a donation would be appreciated. Your generous donations allow us to continue our important work. Please help WBF keep NYC wild.
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Peregrine falcons
Peregrine falcons have made a spectacular recover in the US after populations were decimated by pesticide poisoning in the mid-20th C. They have been clocked at speeds of greater than 200 mph, and they are one of the most widespread birds in the world. They can range in size from 13-24 inches in length, and have been reintroduced on the East Coast after extinction as mentioned.
The falcon that was found was an adult male, although young. Keep your eyes up in the skies to see more of his kind flying in our neighborhood!
Communications Center for NYC Parks Dept on Broome Street:
Phone number for Communications Center for NYC Parks Dept: (646) 613-1200
OR call 311
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Kind regards,
Elizabeth Hardwick, Architect
Giants in the Dirt
