20181204 Red-tailed Hawk-1

On December 4th I got a call from a woman in Shipshewana, IN, who found a hawk on the ground and assumed that there must be something wrong with it.  I asked if the hawk was bleeding, or seemed injured in any way.  She said it seemed to walk funny.  I told her that hawks are often on the ground and sometimes after they eat they find it difficult to take off and fly.  I suggested that she go about her day, and if the bird was still there later that day to call us back.  Later that day she called back and said she had spoken to a rehabber in Brown County Indiana, and that the rehabber indicated that something should be done for the bird.  I sent Louie Lee, who picked up the bird and took it to ICU.   12/16/18 After initial evaluation last week, a wound was discovered on its back .The wound was stitched closed by our veterinarian. She believes it was a squirrel bite.   01/01/2019 This bird is still at our treatment facility receiving antibiotics which will hopefully prevent an infection.  The wound is also being dressed with an application of honey, which is used as a topical antibacterial treatment.   01/11/2019 This bird is still at our treatment facility but it was determined that its wound healed well enough that antibiotic treatment could be discontinued.   01/17/19 Sutures were removed today. When it gets a little warmer he will be moved to our rehabilitation facility.   01/24/19 - This red-tail was just transferred to our rehabilitation area on 1/22/19.  He will be given a couple of weeks to get used to his new surroundings, then he will begin creance flying.  In creance flying, a bird is tethered to one of our trainers, and given progressively more line as he gets stronger and can fly farther.  Tethering  keeps birds safe, and allows them to gain flight strength, while assuring that they can be retrieved as they train.   02/24/2019 This red-tail has been creance flying, and has done so well that his trainers say he’s ready for release!