More Happy Endings

There was a lot to celebrate this past week as we were able to release 3 more birds including this cooper's hawk pictured just before release at the local zoo where she was found. Note the long tail that extends well beyond the long slender legs and toes. The cooper's hawk belongs to a family of raptors called accipiters. These high strung raptors prey mostly on other birds, but also small mammals. Because of these tendencies they are widely persecuted by keepers of domestic birds, especially pigeon breeders and racers. If you have read any of my previous entries, you know what a strong dislike I have for these individuals. I have seen it over and over this year and it is absolutely heartbreaking to imagine the hatred these individuals have for these magnificent birds. I have comforted many individuals that brought these birds to our center when they learn of the nature of these injuries. I appreciate those of you who share my outrage and I urge you to spread the word. The following link shows the depth of this problem. Please share this with others. The only way it will stop is if people realize the extent of the killing, and that is not just a group of mischievous children. These are adults who profess themselves to be animal lovers. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_11_53/ai_n20512695.

Speaking of shooting victims? Remember this dark phase short tailed hawk? It was admitted to our center back in December, after being shot through the wing. You can go back and view the xray under the posting "Rare and Beautiful Patient." These birds are rare sightings and many years we don't see any. This year however, we saw 4 and sadly this one is the only one to recover from its injuries. It is already banded, but will be fitted with a transmitter so that researchers can learn more about this elusive bird found only in South Florida and further down into Central and South America.




Finally, we also released a broadwing hawk that was found unable to fly. We suspected trauma, but quickly changed our opinion as the bird quickly began to deteriorate, displaying symptoms of toxicity. Luckily we were able to treat it in time and it made a full recovery in a short three weeks. It was released back in the neighborhood in which it was found, much to the delight of the retired couple that showed up to watch its happy return.