A wounded bird found a guardian angel in a Suffolk County deputy sheriff.
This deputy sheriff is being hailed as a local hero after spotting a red-tailed hawk injured on a road in Eastport.
The deputy stopped on the side of County Road 51 at 7 a.m. on a Saturday to assist the distressed bird.
Once the bird was secure, the sheriff’s office arranged for its rescue and medical care for its injuries.
The hawk was taken to STAR Foundation Wildlife Rescue in Middle Island for evaluation and treatment.
The hawk seemed to strike a pose for a photo with the officer, gazing directly into the camera.
Red-tailed hawks are among the seven bird species found on Long Island, according to Wildlife Center LI.
Nassau and Suffolk counties are also home to eight types of owls, three falcon species, one vulture, osprey, and bald eagles.
The deputy’s heroic act follows the story of a Medford man who braved treacherous mud to save his dog at a Smithtown park last February.
