Maine's cold climate proves too much for rare hawk
Great Black Hawk treated for frostbite after rescue from park
Great Black Hawk treated for frostbite after rescue from park
Great Black Hawk treated for frostbite after rescue from park
The Maine winter proved too much for a rare Great Black Hawk that had been hanging out in Deering Oaks Park for the last few months.
The hawk, which is common in Mexico, Central America and parts of South America, was rescued Sunday morning after showing signs of frostbite in its feet.
The bird has been in Maine at least since late August when it was spotted in Biddeford and created a frenzy among bird watchers.
The hawk was taken to the Avian Haven, which rehabilitates wild birds at its facility in Freedom.
The facility said Tuesday that the hawk was in good condition but they were taking it one day at a time.
Terra Fletcher told News 8 WMTW Monday that she and her husband were skiing in Deering Oaks Park Sunday morning when she came across the hawk lying on the ground.
An unidentified man was trying to put the hawk into a cardboard box, she said.
Fletcher, who spent two years as a falconer in New Hampshire, said she recognized immediately that the bird was in distress.
The hawk was not responsive and its feet showed signs of frostbite, she said.
After getting the hawk into the box, Fletcher brought it home and called the Avian Haven.
Frostbite remains the main concern for the hawk, Avian Haven said. The bird's feet remain bandaged.
Because of Sunday's snow and sleet storm, it took four hours for the bird to be transported to the facility.
An expert with the Maine Audubon Society said last summer that the hawk rarely flies farther north than Mexico.