In the middle of the night, a NYU Public Safety officer found a Washington Square Park fledgling in an NYU classroom.  The proper folks were called, and Rob Mastrianni, an Urban Park Ranger with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation responded in the middle of the night.  He captured the bird and at dawn released it into the park.  It did not fly off, so it was transfered to WINORR on Long Island.

While there has been much frustration with NYU's decision not to install a camera this year, the NYU Public Safety staff has taken its role to protect the fledgings very seriously over the years.  They deserve our thanks yet again.

Rob Mastrianni, who responsed in the middle of the night, also deserves our thanks. He loves raptors and will do almost anything in any neighborhood of the city to help out, on or off duty.  Thanks Rob.

And of course the Horvath's deserve our thanks most of all.  WINORR does wonders in New York City.  Thanks Cathy and Bobby.

Over the next few days, while Cathy and Bobby get the fledgling a check-up, and give the fledgling some time to grow up and be a better flier so it can be returned to the park safely, we'll see the parents searching for their youngster.  I know from past experience this can be difficult to watch. 

When Ziggy fledged too early, off 888 7th Avenue a few years ago, there were outcries to have him returned quickly.  But the Horvath's decision to wait a week to return the fledgling, ended up in the best possible outcome, a great family reunion and a fledgling that safely spent the summer in Central Park.

So, please try to avoid any monday morning quarterbacking, and let the Horvath's do their jobs.

(The Horvath's also have the male from the Cathedral of St. John in their care as well as a very sick eyass from the Bronx.  I'm so thankful for what they do.)

Update 6/10: The fledgling was returned to the park and is doing fine.