Firefighters get a bird's-eye view of the situation

NORWALK — It's not a call policemen get every day. But when they do, they jump into action. Norwalk Police Sgt. Chris Kelley got a call from Chestnut Glen Apartments manager Jennifer Smith Thursday afternoon about a baby red-tailed hawk that had fallen out of its nest. "It was the manager of the apartment complex that had called and said a baby hawk fell out of its nest and it was being aggressive toward some of the pets around there," Kelley said. "We were pretty sure the bird wasn't injured, and it was just a matter if we could get the bird back in the nest. I know Jeff Collingwood and I knew he would know what to do." Collingwood is a district supervisor with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. "Anytime you have something like that you have to make sure you don't break any laws by handling the bird," Kelley said. Collingwood told Kelley to make sure the bird wasn't injured and that they could put it back in the nest. "The nest was 55 feet up in that oak tree. The only option was to call the fire department," Kelley said. "I called the fire department and said 'hey, this is what I have.' "Matt Hunter was off duty and he saw his call come across his pager. He was out eating with his wife, so they showed up." Hunter's wife, Dr. Ronie Meer, a local veterinarian, has been on other calls with the fire department when pets are involved. Responding from the fire station with the ladder truck were Assistant Chief Dan Strayer, Capt. Charles Hillman and inspector Chris Dowdell. "The assistant fire chief put some gloves and tried to pick up the hawk," Kelley said. "They gave the gloves to Matt's wife and she got the bird and did an assessment on it. It was seemingly unharmed. "She handed the bird off to assistant chief Strayer. They (Strayer and Dowdell) got into the bucket and it took awhile to maneuver to the nest. Even the way they went they had to break some branches to get in there. Assistant chief Strayer said they didn't have an inch to spare. "There was another bird in the nest and it walked up a branch to get to safety. Eventually the other hawk made its way back to the nest. "I went back the other day and saw them both in the nest." Was there any concern about the mother protecting her nest? "The manager said she was on top of that same 74 building the week before and the mom was dive-bombing her," Kelley said. "Jeff (Collingwood) said it usually a bluff when they dive-bomb you." There were no dive-bombs this time and everybody was safe and sound when it was over. "We've done different kinds of animal rescues over the years, but this was the first time I put a hawk back in its nest," Strayer said. "Dr. Meer helped us out and the bird is still in the tree. A nice group effort by everybody. ... A feel-good moment for everybody." It was a job well done. "Thankfully it worked out the way it did," Kelley said. "I really appreciate the help of the fire department." Joe Centers if community editor of the Norwalk Reflector. He can be reached at jcenters@norwalkreflector.com.