See it: New York man saves injured Hawk from Long Island highway

NASSAU COUNTY, N.Y. (PIX11) – A Long Island man rescued a wounded hawk stranded on the side of the Sunrise Highway on Long Island Thursday afternoon. 

Long Island resident Deb Oliver was driving on the road when she noticed the injured bird. She contacted John DeBacker, the Vice President of Long Island Cat and Kitten Solution. 

DeBacker contacted 911, and the Suffolk County Police Department showed up to slow down traffic, according to DeBacker. 

“I was worried that the Hawk would fly into traffic,” he said. “The hawk was probably there for hours before my friend called me, and we were able to save it. I love animals, so if you see something, say something. Especially if it's a hurt animal.” 

Wearing jeans and gloves, DeBacker grabs the hawk, which seems stunned. The 'feisty' bird flaps its wings and digs its talons into DeBacker before he places the bird into a crate, a video obtained by PIX11 News shows. 

“Poor terrified baby,” wrote Catherine Shea on DeBacker's Facebook page. 

Another social media user expressed gratitude for the rescuer's work. “John, you are such a hero. Thank you for all you do,” Dale Bonser O’Connor wrote. 

 DeBacker says he has rescued cats, birds, and other critters since high school.

The hawk was transported to Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown for examination. The full extent of its injuries remains unclear.