Bobby Horvath, a respected wildlife rehabilitator, visited the NYU Library on Saturday.  He was met by NYU administrators and they worked on site logistics, legal issues, etc. 

There is some good news about the windows, they can be unlocked and opened.  There are two windows on the nest’s ledge.  The left hand window, where the nest is located, swings out so it can’t be used.  Luckily, the other window which connects to a bathroom, opens in.   This should allow Bobby Horvath to lean out and see the nest.  If all goes well, the female will stay put or charge him rather than fly off the nest, which should make it fairly easy to capture her with a net.  So, mission impossible may be possible after all.

Bobby Horvath and his wife, Cathy plan on returning to the library mid-week to cut whatever cord is still left on Violet’s foot and remove her ill fitting band. They will also quickly examine her foot, apply topical cream, and administer to her an oral anti-inflammatory. 

Update: 5-10-11, The N.Y.S. D.E.C. has gotten involved and has asked that nothing be done at this time, just wait and monitor.  The D.E.C. regulates rehabilitators in the state and their recommendations must be followed.  So, wait and monitor is all that can happen at this time.

Bobby Horvath also learned the mystery of the hatch dates.  The NYU staff, not knowing that hawks can sit up to a week before laying an egg, gave everyone the date she started sitting, rather than the actual date of when the first egg was laid.  So this explains the confusion over the hatch dates.

As you can see in the video and photographs, Bobby the male Red-tailed Hawk may give Bobby Horvath a hard time during the capture of Violet, the female.

(I understand the Horvath’s home phone has been ringing off the hook, even at odd hours.  Unless you’re a licensed rehabilitator in New York State, I doubt you have much to contribute. Please let the Horvath’s have some peace and quiet, so they can be rested when they attempt the rescue.)