Updated: May 11, 2004

Red-tail Hawks Rescued in Bronx

A family of endangered Red-tailed Hawks, who made their home on a Bronx fire escape, presented a dilemma to DEP wildlife biologist Chris Nadareski. Mother and Father hawks had built their nest on a fire escape five stories high to await the birth of two young chicks. Unfortunately, this was a perilous location, as it obstructed the fire escape. Neighborhood kids decided that the bird family would be a great target for stone throwing or even chick stealing.

Chris had to maneuver carefully to remove the chicks from the nest to save them from local predators. He waited at the apartment window for the mother to feed the baby chicks and then, wearing protective gloves, he carefully picked up the chicks one by one and placed them in a box lined with blankets. The parents were naturally very agitated, and Chris had to protect himself from their sharp talons. The chicks were then taken to a wildlife conservation center in Brewster, New York where they will be released after they learn to fly. The apartment superintendent removed the nest and the mature Red Hawks flew off, perhaps to build another nest in a more secure location.