CANTON — As the crowd harmonized the strains of the civil rights spiritual “We Shall Overcome” at St. Lawrence University Monday, an unusual participant took wing above them.

A Cooper’s hawk, perhaps inspired by the song’s uplifting message, flew to the front of the Gunnison Chapel and perched on a ledge for all to see.

Shaun Whitehead, associate chaplain, assured the congregation that the hawk was harmless.

“We are not in danger, she may fly but she does not fly low,” she said.

Later, the hawk was captured by Mark A. Manske of Adirondack Raptors, Rev. Whitehead wrote in a letter.

“Understandably, it was in distress, dehydrated and very weak,” she wrote.

It will remain with wildlife rehabilitators in Wilmington until it gains enough strength to be released.

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