Residents, Experts Concerned That Hoboken Hawk Could Be Injured

HOBOKEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The talk of one block in Hoboken has been ruffling feathers with its odd behavior.

A bird of prey has been captured on cellphone cameras by residents, and experts believe it is a red-tailed hawk.

"It was odd to see a bird that size around here. You're used to seeing pigeons and sparrows, not a hawk," Patricia Morrison told CBS2's Valerie Castro.

Many who live nearby wonder if the hawk might be injured or in danger.

"This time of year the climate is really cold. It can be really hard on them, so it could be that he's having a rough time and needs some help," said Kim Saunders of the Liberty Humane Society.

Saunders said her organization in Jersey City has been keeping an eye on the hawk.

"He was sort of flying from a tree, down to a balcony, and the steps," she said.

Officials won't know if the bird is hurt until they can get a closer look, but Saunders urged the public to stay away.

"No one should approach wildlife -- particularly a hawk," she said. "They're gorgeous animals, but they can actually be very dangerous, its beak, talons are very sharp."

The hawk was last seen on Thursday morning. A rescue group came out to try to capture it, but it was nowhere to be found.