Raptors
  Raptors are birds of prey and are magnificent animals. They come in various sizes in our area from the smallest Saw-Whet Owl to the largest, a the Bald Eagle that is spotted periodically in East Hampton and Southampton. Raptors hunt for live prey. For example, Barn Owls hunt for mice and rats, while the American Kestrel will hunt for crickets and the Red Tailed Hawk will hunt for animals as large as squirrels. This, of course, is only a partial list of prey these animals hunt for.
  Birds of prey used to be shot regularly by farmers who believed that they preyed on their livestock. Occasionally, you will hear a hawk taking a bird at a backyard feeding station. This is natural behavior for the hawk, especially when other food sources are scarce. Unfortunately, Raptors continue to be shot. Rehabilitators sometimes receive birds of prey that have been shot with lead bird-shot. This causes them to develop lead poisoning. Many others have bones broken by being shot and many die before they can be brought to a veterinarian or rehabilitator for help. Raptors are protected by Federal laws, but some unscrupulous people still manage to shoot them without being caught.
  Birds of prey also get hit by cars frequently. This happens because they are concentrating so hard on hunting their prey that they do not notice a car or truck speeding in their direction. If you see a bird of prey swooping down toward your car, try very hard to avoid a collision or try sounding your horn to get their attention. Try not to throw any food source out your car window. Apple cores and pieces of other uneaten food may be biodegradable, but they will draw the attention of small creatures as a food source. Even if they come to rest in the middle of the road. The larger predators, such as Raptors, will clearly see the small creatures feeding on the discarded items and drop down to have a meal.
  If you see a bird hit or actually hit the bird yourself, you can use a blanket and a very heavy pair of gloves to gently place a blanket over the bird. Carefully lift the bird up and place it into a cardboard box with pre-cut ventilation holes. IMMEDIATELY call a rehabilitator or get the bird to a veterinarian. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GIVE THE BIRD FOOD OR WATER!
  There is no comparison to the majesty of a bird of prey in flight. They are the epitome of the spirit of the wild. Our forefathers chose the Bald Eagle as the symbol of our country. Try to remember that wild animals do not make good companion animals and it is a violation of federal laws to hold a raptor or any other bird for any reason without the proper Federal and State permits.