Carroll ISD rescues baby hawks at Dragon Stadium

by PegNews wire

It drew national attention, from CNN to the Associated Press and from Houston to St. Louis. Just one day before Earth Day, school officials and local wildlife experts rescued three baby hawks from a faulty light pole at Dragon Stadium. Estimated to be about 8-12 days old, the chicks were relocated to the Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Hutchins, Texas where they will be fed, cared for and eventually returned to the wild. Local officials say they hope the adult hawks will return to nest in new light poles at Dragon Stadium next year.

CISD received expedited approval for the rescue mission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after learning that two, federally protected red-tailed hawks had made the 130-foot pole their home. The birds, protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, temporarily delayed the removal of cracked light poles at the stadium.

Engineers were called in last week to inspect the four light poles after several Texas districts reported cracks and even fallen poles. Visible hairline cracks on three of the four existing Dragon Stadium poles were confirmed by engineers, bringing the integrity of the structures into question. That fact put the baby hawks in danger if the light pole(s) were to fall. School officials immediately closed the stadium to the public and marked off a 200-foot perimeter around the area.

Dr. Derek Citty, a former biology teacher and the assistant superintendent in charge of facilities, was granted the Special Purpose Raptor Relocation Permit necessary to relocate the baby hawks, but it was local veterinarian Dr. Greg Moore who actually transferred the baby chicks from their nest to a small carrier for transport to the wildlife center. The gentlemen narrowly escaped targeted dives by the male hawk protecting his young as transportation employees, media and avid bird watchers looked on.

Carroll ISD rented a crane to lower the cracked light poles to the ground following the rescue. The total cost to replace or repair the poles is not yet known. For no additional costs, the crane company agreed to lift the rescuers close enough to the defective pole to safely retrieve the birds. Carroll employees videotaped the rescue effort for students to watch in science classes. An avid photographer, Superintendent David Faltys had one of his photos of the hawks picked up and distributed by The Associated Press.

Overall, the rescue effort went off without a hitch and the light poles were removed to prevent injury or property damage. Trustees will meet May 6 to hear bids on the project. More than eight light poles have fallen in other districts as a result of cracks just above the weld. All, it appears, were purchased from the same company. CISD’s legal counsel is working with the district to regain financial losses experienced as a result of the defective poles.

Source: Carroll ISD