Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • August 18, 2010 Upper Saddle River Rescue of injured hawk points to need for ‘runners’ by Jennifer Crusco For over 40 years, Fran Zoeller has been putting clever signs on the locally famous front window of her Upper Saddle River home to celebrate milestones in the lives of her family and friends. Last week, her back window became infamous, as an immature Cooper’s hawk struck the glass head on. “It was just so loud,” Zoeller said. “I jumped out of my chair.” She observed the bird, hoping it would fly away, but when the hawk remained stunned under the window, she began to make calls to seek help for the animal. Zoeller’s friend in New York City advised her about the Raptor Trust’s rehabilitation work, but Zoeller was uncomfortable with the idea of handling the hawk, which has a bill made to tear flesh and strong talons. “The bird was on its side, and every now and then it raised its head and looked around,” Zoeller reported. She had observed the bird for about an hour, when another of Zoeller’s friends made a call to a local birder. Andy Egan, who grew up in Waldwick, has been birding for 17 years. After a quick series of phone calls, Egan – a three-time World Series of Birding veteran -- was on his way to Upper Saddle River with a pair of sturdy gloves with gauntlets, a towel, and a carrying case. Zoeller met Egan in her driveway and led him to the stunned hawk, which was alert, but not entirely mobile. As they approached, the hawk turned and looked at them. Egan tossed the towel over the bird to minimize the potential for injury to himself, and deftly placed the hawk in the carrying case. He pointed out the three marks on Zoeller’s window that indicated the hawk had struck the window head on. Egan then transported the bird to the Raptor Trust in Millington. Staff members, who knew he was on his way, had already prepared an intensive care unit for the Cooper’s hawk. Education Director Lauren Butcher greeted Egan and admitted the bird, commenting on the long trip he had made. Egan said he would rather take the long ride than sit at home without taking any action. He said he was comfortable with handling the raptor as he had taken another injured bird to the Raptor Trust some years ago. The Raptor Trust is seeking people who are willing to become what the organization calls “raptor runners.” The organization’s staff includes many volunteers, and assistance is welcome and vital. “We always need people like that,” Raptor Trust intern Anna Autilio commented. Raptor runners receive training to handle birds of prey and to transport them safely. For additional information, contact the Raptor Trust at (201) 647-2353. The facility is located at 1390 White Bridge Road in Millington, NJ and has displays of live raptors, including hawks and owls, which may be viewed by the public. ������������������ �������������������������������� ����������������� ������������������������ ������������ ������ ���� ��������������� ������������ ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������� ������ ������������������������ ������������������ ����������������� �������������������� ������������������������������ ��������������������� September Brides A Fall Wedding Showcase By participating in this very special supplement to The Villadom TIMES, you’ll get the selective exposure you need in 56,300 households in your market area. Publication Date: Wednesday, September 1 Advertising Deadline: Wednesday, August 25 201-652-0744 Call today to place your advertisement: editorial@villadom.com ZONE 1 - Wyckoff, Midland Park, Franklin Lakes ZONE 2 - Ridgewood, Glen Rock ZONE 3 - Waldwick, Ho-Ho-Kus, Allendale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River ZONE 4 - Mahwah, Ramsey