14 year old, C.J. Salinas, Boy Scout Senior Patrol Leader from Murphy's Troop 1812, arrived home after school Tuesday, October 17 to find a large bird of prey perched atop a large tree in front of his home at 607 Mockingbird Dr. Not realizing the bird was unable to free itself, the family continued to observe it for 2 days. On Thursday evening the family noticed the bird's feet were tangled which prevented it from flying away.

Cruz Salinas, C.J.’s father, called several animal rescue organizations, but none were able to come out that evening to retrieve the bird. C.J. and his siblings suggested to their parents to call the Murphy Fire Department. The Fire Department responded immediately but with nightfall and no animal rescue organization to take the bird, all parties agree to postpone the rescue until morning, hoping the bird could survive one more night.
 
On Friday morning Terry Latsko, a volunteer Bird Rehabilitator from Rogers Wildlife Rescue, agreed to come to Murphy. Mr. Salinas  called the Murphy Fire Department who in turn contacted the Wylie Fire Department for them to assist with their large ladder truck.

Two Wylie Firemen ascended the extended ladder and cut down the tree branch with the bird still tangled. Once down, the Firemen were able cut the leather bindings and rope from the bird's talons that had kept it tethered. According to Ms. Latsko, the bird is a Harris Hawk and permits are required for anyone to keep such a bird. This bird had apparently escaped its owner.
 
Ms. Latsko accessed the bird’s condition and then transported it to Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation in Hutchins, Texas for rehabilitation.

In a follow-up call to the Hutchins Rehab center on Friday, the Messenger was told that the falcon is doing very well and that the ordeal did not cause any harm to the bird. Ms. Latsko said the bird obviously had been used for falconry, an illegal sport, since no band with a permit number was on the hawk’s leg. And because the hawk has been trained to only catch prey but not consume it, the bird must remain in captivity where it can be fed by its caretakers at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The falcon will be used for educational purposes and Ms. Latsko said she was very excited about working with their new resident.
 
These fabulous photos were taken by Cruz Salinas. We thank the Salinas family for sharing their story and photos with our readers.