Team Of Angels Comes Together To Help Wounded Hawk

EAST HAMPTON, NY — The community came together in a big way this week to help an injured hawk.

East Hampton's Dell Cullum, who runs Hampton Wildlife, a wildlife removal service, is an ardent advocate for creatures in need of nurturing.

He posted on Facebook Wednesday about what he said was "another awesome wildlife story worth sharing."

Three days ago, in the early evening, Cullum said he got a visit from one of his favorite, "wildlife, caring police officers. The officer found a young hawk, standing, with a chest wound on the roadside. It allowed her to wrap it up in a water resistant material, and she transported it to me. We placed it in my carrier and I brought it to quiet, soft lit room. I removed the carrier top and examined the bird."

It was immediately evident, he said, that there was a hole in the bird's chest.

The hawk's eyes were wide open and it was panting, but not terribly, he said, adding that he covered the hawk.

"I called folks in the wildlife network, posted on social media for a transport and put a call out on the wildlife rescue app," he said.

He got a response from Susan Jaffie and was simultaneously advised to get the hawk to the East End Veterinary Center in Riverhead, he said.

He and volunteers rushed the bird to Riverhead, where a veterinary surgeon, "the most awesome Dr. Scarlett Magda of Veterinarians International, ordered X-rays and discerned that the hawk had a tear in its esophagus and chest," Cullum said, adding that a large bone in the hawk's stomach had caused the injury.

"Dr. Magda was able to suture the torn esophagus and the chest. It was a serious injury and the bird had to first make it through the night," Cullum said. "I'm happy to say the hawk did make it, and it was transported to the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, where it is rehabbing in the best place possible."

The story inspires, Cullum said.

"An incredible act of compassion and aid by a group of folks has given this beautiful hawk another opportunity at life," he said. "Now that's a story worth sharing. All these volunteers do this day in and day out."

He thanked the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, East End Veterinary Center and Dr. Magda's organization Veterinarians International.

"And big thanks to East Hampton Town Police Officer Andrea Kess for her big heart. You all rock," Cullum said.

Photo courtesy Dell Cullum.