Nest of marauding Stonington hawk removed

Stonington — Town workers today removed the nest of a hawk that was believed to have been attacking residents of Carriage Drive.

Late this morning animal control officers Rae-Jean Davis and Tanya Wescovich, with the assistance of Old Mystic firefighters and their ladder truck, destroyed the nest of a red-tailed hawk that has been attacking people along Carriage Drive.

The two animal control officers donned riot helmets and thick gloves in case the aggressive hawk tried to attack them as they removed branches and leaves that made up the large nest.

Firefighters had to maneuvered the ladder through the trees and cut branches with a chainsaw before they could reach the 30-foot-high nest. It took about 30 seconds to pull it down. The firefighters then cut the branches that supported the nest so the hawk would not be tempted to rebuild in the same spot.

Davis said there were no eggs or chicks in the nest. If there had been she said they would not have removed it.

It is hoped the hawk will now nest farther away from the road and will not attack people walking past.

Last week a woman needed to go the hospital for treatment of a scalp wound after the hawk cut her with its talons as she walked past. Residents said the hawk has been dive bombing them and their cars over the past few years.

Last week's attack promoted school officials to stop outdoor gym and recess at nearby Deans Mill School. Those activities resumed a few days later.