My eldest son, Daniel, moved to Los Angeles about a month and a half ago. He loves it there--good climate, good food, close to the beach, good friends and a decent job. I'll tell ya what, though, he has truly distinguished himself from the rank and file Los Angeleans today. He doesn't see a problem and just walk on by--he actually does something about it.

See, he was walking to work, and he found an injured raptor of some sort on the sidewalk in front of the building where he works. So, he immediately calls me and asks me to get him the number for whatever animal control or shelter services Wilshire Blvd. He calls them, and they can't come 'til around 10:30, so he stays out there with that hawk, who is laying on the ground in a mud puddle, and keeps people walking by (and there are many!) from stepping on the bird, and one *insert bad word here* from kicking the bird. He told me that many people saw the bird, and simply ignored it, despite its obvious distress. He watches over the bird for as long as he can, as he had to be at work by 9:00. When he goes into the building, he tells security, who go outside and cover the bird with a box, put tape around the area, and are standing guard by the bird to keep it safe 'til animal control arrives. In my book, Dan is a hero, especially as he's actually terrified of birds. He did the right thing, and he did it well. If that bird survives (it finally stood up, and it has a drooping wing and a closed eye--Dan thinks it may have flown into a window on a building), I truly believe that it will be because of Dan's efforts.

See? I have every reason to be proud, imho. He didn't just walk on by. He called for help, kept the bird safe from human hands, and he made sure the bird would be kept from harm 'til animal control can get there. He didn't handle it, and he kept others from handling it (one girl I could hear in the background wanted to PLAY with the poor thing!). He done good :-). Here's a pic of the bird. Maybe someone can identify it? I'm guessing Peregrine Falcon simply because they thrive in cityscapes, but I really have no clue.

You raised a good son - I'm touched that he went so out of his way to help this bird.

You have a great boy there !!! Please tell him how very proud of him we all are,He has a good heart.

Good for Dan! You have every reason to be a proud Mom today...heck I'm proud for ya! I can only hope our lil one turns out so well!

Now this story just made my afternoon. What a great kid with a great heart!

Um, I'm pretty sure it s a Red Shouldered Hawk

>Peregrine<
Faucon au centre Ville - Québec on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

>Red Shouldered<
Red Shouldered Hawk on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I'm not 100% sure but its my best bet

He really IS a great "kid" (age 26), Wendy. He has a compassionate soul, and he is never afraid to stand up for the creatures who can't stand up for themselves.

Now if he'd only come back home, my world would be perfect :-).

Yep, I'd have to agree that it's definitely not a Peregrine Falcon. Red shouldered looks a lot more likely after comparing those photos. I sure hope the bird makes it.

I forgot to mention your son
ROCKS!!!

I hope the bird will be OK, your son did a great job!