Red-tailed Hawk Rescue

My coworker stumbled upon a red-tailed hawk resting on their property. At first glance, it was clear something was wrong. The hawk looked weakened, vulnerable, and it hadn't moved for hours-a troubling sign for such a dynamic bird. Concerned, they reached out to me, knowing I had a bit of a soft spot for wildlife.
When I arrived, we assessed the situation together. The hawk, with its reddish-brown tail feathers and piercing gaze, seemed off-less aggressive and alert than I would expect from an adult. With a nest nearby that had fledged three juvenile hawks just a few months prior, I initially assumed this must be one of them-a young bird still figuring out the ways of the world. But after transporting the hawk to the Great Basin Wildlife Rescue, the truth came out.
The team at the rescue center quickly identified our feathered friend as a much older male, not a juvenile at all. They nicknamed him "Crusty," partly because of his grizzled appearance but mostly because of his surly, stubborn attitude. Despite his frail state, he had a fire in him, a feisty spirit that earned him that endearing nickname. Fortunately, after a thorough examination, the rescuers concluded that Crusty's only real problem was hunger and dehydration-both easily remedied with some rest and TLC.
For the next week, Crusty enjoyed a bit of pampering at the "resort" side of the rescue center-fresh meals, plenty of water, and a safe place to recuperate. His transformation was swift. The team was impressed with how quickly he regained his strength, and soon enough, it was time for him to return to the wild.
The release day was one of those moments that stick with you. We brought Crusty back to his home territory, and as soon as he was out of his carrier, he took to the sky with a strength that was nothing short of awe-inspiring. He didn't go far-just to a nearby tree-but the sight of him soaring again brought a wave of relief and joy.
No sooner had Crusty landed than a larger female hawk called out from the distance. She flew over to investigate, circling the tree where Crusty perched. It didn't take long to realize what was happening-this was his mate. The bond between them was undeniable, and it dawned on us that these two might very well be the breeding pair responsible for the nest nearby. Their reunion was a beautiful confirmation that Crusty still had a place in the wild, where he belonged.
Watching Crusty and his mate reunite was nothing short of magical. It was a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature and the incredible opportunities that arise when we take the time to help. I left that day with a deep sense of gratitude, knowing that Old Crusty had a second chance to soar the skies and keep the local rodent populations in check. Here's to hoping he enjoys a few more good years in the wild, continuing to play his vital role in the ecosystem.

[@jthejh]

Wow it is hard to believe that Red Tailed Hawk was an adult. I think it crashed into something while catching its prey. Then it crashed into the brush. Luckily it wasn’t injured, it was just really hungry. But I wouldn’t blame it on bad luck. It may have previously been injured but managed to get back on its feet but starved itself in the process. I think I’m on the right track here. Anyways, great rescue and the ending went perfect with a flight to a tree!