NORWAY – Norway Savings Bank recently donated $5,000 to Friends of Deering Oaks Park in Portland in its effort to install a sculpture honoring a very special great black hawk.
Last year, a lone juvenile great black hawk, native to South America, travelled thousands of miles to settle in Deering Oaks Park. It was the first time such a bird had been spotted this far north. For several months, the hawk survived hunting squirrels, pigeons and other wildlife.
During a snowstorm on Jan. 20, the hawk was found on the ground and rescued by a passerby. Ultimately, after 10 days of medical treatment at Avian Haven Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Freedom, the hawk succumbed to severe frostbite and had to be euthanized.
“While the hawk lived in Deering Oaks, birdwatchers from all over the country came to see him. We were devastated when he passed,” said Anne Pringle, president of Friends of Deering Oaks Park. “To recognize this incredible event, we wanted to create a permanent reminder for future Park visitors. We decided an authentic, life-sized sculpture in the bird’s likeness accompanied by an interpretive panel would accomplish this goal.”
“This is a significant endeavor and we’re assisting Friends of Deering Oaks in approaching several private companies to help,” said Diane Davison, rescue volunteer and Board Member of Avian Haven. “We are very pleased that Norway Savings Bank stepped up to provide a generous donation toward this project.”
“When we heard about the hawk and efforts of Avian Haven to save its life, we knew we wanted to help,” said Patricia Weigel, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “Maine is full of unique stories like these and we want to be a part of commemorating them.”
For more information on the effort, visit www.deeringoaks.org/gblh-2.
PHOTO: Those who donate to the great black hawk sculpture effort will get a decal commemorating the hawk. (Submitted photo)
