In an extraordinary turn of events, a red-tailed hawk has been saved after becoming trapped in the grill of a vehicle following a collision. The incident occurred on a Thursday afternoon in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, when the bird was struck by Judy Harmon's SUV while she was driving on I-495. Despite initial concerns, the hawk remained alive, though lodged within the car’s front grille. After several failed rescue attempts by local authorities, specialized assistance from a nearby Honda dealership proved crucial in freeing the injured bird. The hawk is currently under veterinary care for its injuries, including a fractured wing, and is expected to recover over the coming days.

A Miraculous Rescue Unfolds in Chelmsford

In the golden hues of a crisp autumn afternoon, a remarkable rescue operation unfolded along Interstate 495 in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. On this particular Thursday, Judy Harmon was navigating her three-month-old Honda SUV when she suddenly heard a thud. Peering ahead, she noticed something unusual—a wing protruding from the hood of her vehicle. Heart racing, Harmon quickly realized that a bird had collided with her car and was now trapped inside the grille.

Pulling over at the nearest rest stop, Harmon called emergency services for help. A state trooper and animal control officers arrived promptly but found themselves unable to extricate the bird without causing further harm. It wasn’t until they reached out to Nucar Honda of Westford, just miles away, that the situation began to turn around. Stan Dekhtyar, the service director, arrived equipped with the necessary tools and expertise. With precision and care, he carefully dismantled the front grille, gently freeing the hawk.

To everyone’s amazement, once released, the hawk stood upright, its eyes wide as it surveyed its rescuers. Though visibly injured, the bird showed signs of resilience. Harmon, overwhelmed with relief, remarked on the miracle of the moment, noting that despite the damage to her vehicle, the survival of the hawk was what truly mattered.

The hawk was promptly transported to the Tufts Wildlife Clinic, where veterinarians discovered a fractured wing and other chronic injuries. While the bird is not yet ready to return to the wild, medical professionals are optimistic about its recovery.

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways in which human compassion and collaboration can make a profound difference. It highlights the importance of quick thinking and resourcefulness in crisis situations, as well as the value of preserving wildlife. For Harmon, the experience reinforced her belief that sometimes, the most meaningful outcomes come from the least expected circumstances.