************************************************** I think the pictures [numerous shots of Bobby H. posing with the baby hawk--LK] were mainly for documentation purposes. Bobby is very proud of what he does and has done. He does do alot of rehab work and has been very sucessful. I call Bobby when I find injured animals and he always responds. I'm sure you know how hard it is protecting and helping animals in a world with selfish and inconsiderate people. I feel bad for animals and birds. We cut down trees, and take land to build houses and condos. We take over more and more land for our own needs, then we complain when bears and foxes and other wildlife come out into residential areas. It is a shame that we look at animals and birds as if they have no rights. I am amazed that the city has as much wildlife as it does. That is why I respect people who look out for wildlife. These creatures have no say and survival is becoming more difficult. While we are not perfect, Hooray for anyone who helps god's creatures. Regards, Bill ************************************************** I was just trying to be sure that people were not convinced that brutality was used against the poor bird or any others that are banded. We recently had the banding & now fledging of the Kodak Falcons from Rochester in which the whole banding process is witnessed by falconwatchers & children. Obviously, such a brutal way as you had described on your website was not used to determine gender of the 4 eyasses, now happy fledglings. We would not have tolerated it! If this so-called rehabber used the method you described against Jr & Charlotte's baby, I won't begin to describe what I'd like to do to him! As it is, I feel that anything over 24 hours after being sure that nothing was broken, was unconsionable! Any rehabber I know here on the West Coast, would only be sure it had a crop of food, a little anti-mite powder, and maybe an overnight observation, any longer would be if a problem was noted that was life-threatening. In this case, no such problem existed that I heard. Just wanted to clear up some misconceptions. Thank you for beautiful pictures that I start my day with, I remain, Ronnie Fitch Dear ?, Thanks for the information. I have spoken to experts from Cornell, NJ Raptot Trust, Dr Ward Stone, an Animal Medical Center raptor specialist in NYC, and three more licensed experts which I found on this list http://www.nycwildlife.org/rehab.html. They all informed me that a blood test is necessary for a foolproof determination of sex. It's interesting about the example you've quoted. Apart from the method used to acquire this information I am concerned about the appropriateness of what was done to the baby hawk. I'm not trying to get the rehabber in trouble here but merely attempting to have the proper thing done the next time we have a similar situation. From what you said about your method (assuming it also applies to baby RTHs), do you think it was appropriate to carry out this test by a rehabber who's job was merely to ascertain the bird's ability to be returned to the wild as soon as possible? Perhaps you'll say that removing a feather is no big deal, but considering this was a newly fledged bird where it's ability to fly was questionable, won't you think that removing a feather for purposes of sexing only should have been avoided. The purpose of my probing into this matter is to bring to light any possible improper behavior and practices and for a reasonable amount of accountability by wildlife rehabilitators. I hope you'll continue to advise and remain in touch to share any more information to achieve this goal. Best, Lincoln www.palemale.com (DNA test for Gender) I'm sorry, you have been badly misinformed. I have cockatiels and am in touch with breeders all over the country. We routinely sex the fledglings so that a buyer gets the gender they are purchasing. All it takes is 1 feather, removed from the wing that has the root on it. Another way is a small amount of blood from a clipped talon. Neither way is more than a momentary ouch and takes no more than a week. ************************************************** Parrot person here. There are three ways to sex them - blood (and it is a VERY small amount - I have had enough taken to do multiple health exam tests PLUS sexing in one shot from one of my little 120 gram parrots), DNA through a pulled feather, and surgical sexing, which is seldom done anymore. The feather DNA he/she wouldn't have noticed being done, and the blood would have been more a case of massively pissing her off restraining her than any trauma from either the needle stick or blood loss. The "institutional" rehabbers generally have a very dogmatic process, with no allowances made for individual creatures. In many cases, they are a pain in the you know, but also a very necessary evil, and can do a lot of good. Happily, the baby was apparently released quickly enough to be doing fine now. I wouldn't worry overly much about the sexing. My parrots are dearer to me than ay human I know, and while I wouldn't do a needle stick JUST to sex them, I DO know it isn't an overly obtrusive or dangerous experience. Lynn ************************************************** Thank you for all your efforts to bring to light the truth regarding the XXXXXXXXX situation (and subsequent return) of the little stinker, PMJr andCharlotte's baby. Have we named her yet? Did they have to stick her to findout if she was male or female? Can¹t they just determine this by the size?If they did, you are right this was totally unnecessary! I'm so glad that the story turned out like it did, I was very worried abouteverything, most of all, what would happen to her if the parents weren'table to care for her. I'm just so glad that it had a happy result and thatshe will be OK. What a XXXXX that Bobby Horvath. Thank you for enlightening all of us that care so dearly for these hawks.I was living there in 2005 and saw Maggie and Charlie grow up in the playground, etc. But now I am in DC.I¹m glad you are feeling better and are able to keep up your website- andthank you for publishing my letter. (Go Lincoln...) My stepson just moved to NY to go to school. He lives just a block from thepark @71st and Columbus. I am so jealous! I would be at the park every daytoo. I do so love it there. Of course, he knows all about PaleMale and Lola, and all their stories about hawks in the area, your website... So,look out for a tall 22 yr old dark haired guy named Greg, he has beeninstructed by me to learn all he can by watching all the hawks. PS, he¹sfrom Oregon, so he actually has been able to get outside and see some greenstuff and wonderful mountains.Thank you thank you for all your fine beautiful photos, and for being you!!!Love ya, Carla Maybe I will see you at the park when I visit Greg! ************************************************** Dear Lincoln, Before I begin, although we are on opposite sides of this issue, I do have to compliment you on your fabulous photography. You are a gifted photographer and perhaps you should direct more of your energy into that direction, rather than engaging in negative public campaigns. After the smear campaign that you subjected Bobby to, I am not willing to answer any of your questions. I do appreciate that you posted my emails, but considering that even after the bird was released and reunited with its parents, you still posted nasty letters from people ( esp. the one threatening to have Bobby investigated (for what, I don't know. I find it fascinating that people who do not even know him claim he has "secrets".). But because you have allowed this slander to continue, and have kept the issue going, I will not provide you with any further information. All I can say is that this bird was determined to be a female by professional methods. Had you treated Bobby with the respect that he deserved, perhaps we would have been able to provide you with pertinent information you seek . Due to your campaign to slander, smear and harass an innocent man who did nothing more than his job, which was to save this birds life, I will not cooperate with you. Bobby is my friend and I do not allow my friends to be treated in such a manner, and as such, you deserve no more than what I have given you. Stella ************************************************** We are so happy to see that Jr & Charlotte are with their Baby again, judging by your pics today, they look well and Baby is feeding, from Jr, thank God! Thank you so much for the continued pictures, updates, and your hard work in bringing them to us, we love our fine, feathered friends! Chris & Eva M., New Haven, CT ************************************************** LK -I can't tell you how overjoyed I am at the news of thebaby being returned to Charlotte and Palemale,Jr.! I absolutely have tears in my eyes at this wonderfuland joyous information! Our prayers have beenanswered! Thanks for being so diligent and steadfast in yourlove and concern for the hawks and all the othercreatures in NYC! I, too, hope that this will helpopen the eyes of the world to the fact that natureindeed knows what it is doing. Thanks for all the wonderful pictures - we look atthem every day! Lynne ************************************************** Sleep well tonight for the baby is now where it should be. May all our concerns watch over it & help keep it safe. Debbie ************************************************** Thank you very kindly for the most recent update and photos of Jr., Charlotte, and baby. I’ve been checking the site over a dozen times a day throughout this past agonizing week of pure hell but have totally respected your need to rest and regain your strength (and the wait was well worth it!). It’s YOU, Lincoln, who know more about God’s precious wildlife in CP than -- as this last week has clearly proven -- Horvath’s two decades of rehab experience (please, give me a break!). He’s an absolute disgrace to all of those truly “reputable” folks out there who do the right thing day in and day out; and I know several rehabbers who believe Horvath likely has secrets he does not want revealed (his attitude and despicable remarks have only but reflected such suspicion and, indeed, has revealed his true colors!). It is YOU, Lincoln, who is the XXXXXXXXX of Pale Male and Lola’s family and, using simple “common sense,” have come to know more about these awesome creatures than Horvath and the other “fakes” like him who use their “supposed” reputation as a front for their deceitful acts behind the scenes. None of this would’ve happened had Horvath corroborated with you in the first place, but he obviously had other plans for baby, which had absolutely nothing to do with “rehabilitation.” Let’s take this as a lesson to assemble, organize, and share all of our resources (financial and otherwise) so that we can take immediate legal action to ensure that this never happens again, and -- particularly with Horvath’s attitude throughout this whole process -- we need to communicate with all of the agencies (including the licensing agency) to do a thorough investigation of Horvath, his home, his workplace, off-site locations, etc. to ensure that justice is executed to the fullest extent so that he realizes once and for all that “God’s in charge,” not him! I am researching every possible avenue, and have even consulted with a lawyer, to get the ball rolling. And, if by chance I am mistaken, then I’ll be the first to admit it; however, Horvath’s behavior throughout this entire ordeal reflects differently, and we’re going to find out once and for all what he’s “really” about! YOU’RE AN ANGEL, MY FRIEND, SENT BY GOD TO WATCH OVER HIS FLOCK. PEACE BE WITH YOU ALWAYS ..... WE STAND BY AND WITH YOU ALL THE WAY!!!!! ************************************************** I want you to know that I called that number you had on yourwebsite..Bobby Horvath. If it was him that I spoke to he was extremelyrude, but I gave him a piece of my mind and asked him when he was goingto return that beautiful bird to it's rightful life. He told me yes. Itwas very comforting today to log on to your site and see that he did. Ifeel so relieved and so happy. The universe didn't turn it's back onthis baby and I hope that this little one fills his role in nature witha long, Palemale like life.Enjoy your site and God bless you. Keep up the good work. You know, Itold that fellow on the phone that I got his number from your website. Itold him thanks to you people all over the world know who Palemale andLola are. He said you were only a photographer and that you didn't saveanimals. I told him quite the contrary that your site benefits Redtailseverywhere and more and more people are becoming big fans of thesemagnificent creatures. If it wasn't for you Lincoln and the Palemale.comwebsite I am not sure that baby would have been released. God bless youagain. I am looking forward to some photos of that baby if you findhim. Peace on earth, Lisa ************************************************** I am so happy the baby is back and being fed by the parents! Love, Betty Norton PS: I did speak with Mr. Horvath last week, and was surprised by his cordiality. ************************************************** It warms my heart to see little Pale male's grandson got together with his parentws, and that the city has actually given them a "guardian". There is after all some human kindness in us all Without your input, this owuld have never happened. I phoned the authorities and the XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX! Fondly, Gabriela ************************************************** As you know, Ziggy the hawk has been reunited with its parents. As of last evening, the parent hawks were observed feeding the fledgling and now this bird has every chance at having a full life. First off, I do want to clarify that this bird was NOT released due to public pressure or harassment. The hawk was kept with a surrogate mother during its convalescence. Secondly: To dispel any concerns that this bird may be habituated by any human contact it received during its short convalescence, the truth of the matter if this bird displays any tolerance of humans, it is from the poor nest site choice of its parents. This nest was located on a window ledge on a high rise building in mid town Manhattan in full view of humans for the first 7 weeks of her life. On a daily basis she looked in on human beings and as a result, there could possibly be some habituation. Many hawks and falcons born in cities will be a bit more habituated to humans based solely on their daily proximity to people. It is a fact of life for a city bird of prey. During her time in rehab she was handled VERY briefly. I observed the bird first hand as I assisted in her evaluation on her last day in captivity. The bird finally attained sufficient flight capability on Monday, June 18th. As the bird was checked out, I can assure you that Ziggy retained a natural wariness of humans (something she did not possess when she first arrived) and as I looked in her eyes, I saw a wildness that had NOT diminished during her time in captivity. That bird was ready to go and Bobby Horvath, the licensed rehabilitator charged with her care, listened to her. In less than 24 hours she was on her way! We stated all along that the bird would let us know when she was ready to go and she certainly did! Many people on your website condemned Bobby, you included. Threatening and harassing calls came in day and night. Someone suggested Bobby heard about the hawk on a scanner at the firehouse and jumped on the situation in order to get 15 minutes of fame. That is far from the truth. Bobby was on vacation during the time of the call. He was contacted by the Parks dept., not the other way around. They reached out to him because they knew that he is an expert and would do the right thing. For those of you who implied that as a NYC Firefighter, Bobby sits around all day waiting to hear about an animal call so that he can run out and play hero in order to get his fifteen minutes of fame, let me tell you, he already is a hero and he doesn’t need those 15 minutes of fame. Bobby has been featured on Animal Planet, in the NY Times, Daily News and Newsday on more than one occasion. A NYC firefighter on duty cannot just "run out" and spend his day attending to rescues. By insulting Bobby in his capacity as a firefighter, you insult all firefighters. These are men who valiantly put their lives at risk on September 11th and you insult every single one of them when you make statements like that. Bobby was there that horrible day as a first responder and for weeks afterwards. A man who dedicates his life to saving humans AND animals is naturally a hero, without having to seek it out. To imply that he does this for the glory is ludicrous. He does it because it is who he is…a man who cannot help but to save life, human and animal. People who demanded that the bird be let go immediately were thinking with their hearts and not their heads. If the bird was replaced back to where it fell, there is a good chance it would have been dead in a day. According to you and your contributors, that would have been preferable. I am sorry, but a wildlife rehabilitator’s mission in life is to SAVE wildlife. And this bird was saved. Now, it is up to nature to decide what will happen to Ziggy. Over 75% of baby birds of prey perish in their first year, so the odds are stacked against her. But thanks to Bobby Horvath, she will have a second chance at a free and wild life. I believe that instead of the condemnation he has suffered at your hands, he deserves a huge thank you, along with the Parks Department, who knew the proper procedure when dealing with a fledgling hawk in a precarious place. I am proud to be a volunteer in his organization and to call him my friend. I think he is owed an apology for the smear campaign you subjected him to. But I guess that just as there will always be sensible, rational people fighting for a cause they believe in, there will also always be the ones who are willing to blindly drink the Kool Aid. Bobby thanks the many people who supported him during this, the experts who agreed that he was doing the right thing and the bloggers who supported him on their websites. Through all the threats and all the harassment, Bobby stood firm and never wavered in his belief that he was doing was the right thing, He never doubted himself, and based on the reunion of parents and baby in Central park, he was right!!! Thanks to Bobby Horvath and the professional care that he provided for Ziggy, this story had a happy ending. Now, only nature can decide the fate of this hawk's life. Although we are opposite sides of this issue, I do thank you for publishing my previous letter and I hope you will do the same now. Stella ************************************************** Lincoln, I love your photographs: in them, I can see the soul of these magnificent creatures. Thank you. BTW, I had my own experience of fledgling crisis--about two weeks ago, while walking my dog, I came across a fledgling Blue Jay. Mr/Ms Jay was hopping right toward the street, so I tied my Beagle to a nearby railing, took a plastic wrapper from the lawn, had a vigorous chase, and cornered my vocal friend--he/she put my Beagle to shame. I figured with the hopping, wing flapping, etc. that (s)he may have been stunned by the first flight, so I put him/her on the lawn that had lots of thick,low bushes, and a blue spruce tree with very low branches. The next day, I walked by the tree, saw one of the adult Bluejays in the blue spruce tree, and heard Junior screaming from further in the same tree. My attitude was that Junior could take his chances, and I wasn't going to rob him of a natural life --just make sure he didn't get mashed by a SUV. After all, death from a predator would be better than a miserable life in captivity. Peggy M. Brooklyn, NY PS--I don't let Penny the Beagle chase squirrels, and always give warning to the young ones. ************************************************** Greetings from sunny South Africa! Thank you so much for the joyous pictures of the child free again in the park! I believe if you had not stirred up so much interest it would have taken a lot longer, so congratulations again. The Tom Cullen articles are sad, and not unique, we have many of the same here too. Falconers claim that raptors have to be "hacked" back into the wild and taught to hunt. They do this by keeping the bird hungry, feeding it only when it is perched on the human arm, with jesses tied to its legs, and feed it only from the human hand. This keeps the bird dependent on the falconer so that it does not fly away. I have serious reservations about this method! Some of these birds manage to fly away in spite of all this and I have had a couple presented to me over the years, picked up by members of the public. It is fascinating to watch the spirit return to the eyes once the restraints are removed and the bird realises that it is not going to be forced to sit on a human to feed. All I do is leave them alone. I put their food on the ground and they feed themselves and within a matter of weeks they are fat and strong and so wild it is really difficult to catch them even in the relatively small flight cages I have. Raptors do not actually "teach" their offspring to hunt. They merely feed them until they learn to hunt by themselves. The hunting instinct is so strong that I have never seen a healthy raptor that would not feed itself. I must also just comment on the "deadly boomslang viper" Cullen encountered. Boomslang directly translated means tree snake, and although their venom is very dangerous they are probably the most timid and sweet natured of all the snakes in Africa. To get one to bite, you would have to corner it and shove your hand down its throat! As their name implies they are tree dwellers and very seldom spend any length of time on the ground. I have never heard of anyone being attacked by a boomslang ever, in fact the only time any snake ever bites is in self defence, they are far too wise to waste their precious venom on something they can't eat! Thank you for all you do, your photos are a gift that lifts my spirit every day. Julia