Plainview Firefighters Sprout Wings to Save Bird

proved the old adage that a bird in the hand is better than a bird or two in the bush.

In this case, firefighters responded to an unusual rescue last week when a Plainview home owner called the fire dispatcher to report his exotic bird had flown the coop.

Firefighters in Plainview have responded to call for cats in trees on occasion and help when warranted. (Lots of cats find their way down on their own.) This call, though, was one of a kind.

The bird had come to rest in a nearby tree outside the home on Elmwood Court in Plainview June 28 at about 6:30 p.m. The homeowner had tried to retrieve the pet, but as he did, the bird began to climb higher and higher into the tree.

Firefighters under the command of Deputy Chief responded with the department's Aerial Platform Ladder 9533, along with Lt. David Nayberg, Lt. Evan Schatzberg and Firefighters Terrance Wakely, Philip Trugman and Frank Caraturo.

Through their typical skill and determination, the team rescued the bird and it was returned to its owner. Both are doing fine.

The bird apparently refused medical attention. All he needed was a little love.