We had a hawk visitor last night. Candy looked out the front door to discover this poor bird sitting on a chair on our front porch. Ms. Klinger of the St. Charles County Division of Humane Services was good enough to come collect it, quite gently, thank you. By the time you read this, the hawk will be on his way to the local wild bird rescue. (Click the picture to see it larger.)
Klinger tried to capture the hawk in a towel but, although the bird was not aggressive, it would have none of the towel. At one point, it flew up against our glass storm door, scaring our parrot half to death. Poor Robin Hood definitely did not expect a bird of prey to fly up the doorway from the bottom, talons extended. Robin Hood screamed like never before and flew across the living room like a shot to get away from the threat.
The capture looked much less impressive from outside. The hawk walked and hopped around a bit but even the up-the-door excursion which terrified our parrot did not amount to much. The hawk walked off the porch once but we were able to easily herd it back. After a couple of failures with the towel, Klinger grabbed a small blanket from her truck. She was able to easily drop the blanket over the hawk and deposit the bird in a large dog carrier.
I know that it was “just” a wild animal, not endangered or anything, but I love seeing these majestic birds swooping through the neighborhood. With luck, this hawk will heal up and get turned loose to fly again.
Very cool!
Wow!
As I think about it because of this story, Michele and I visited the World Bird Santuary here is St. Louis and was part of a lecture on owls, with owls flying just over our heads. I was just blown away by this place. You must check it out.
He is beautiful! I’m glad he is on his way to healing and will be released when ready. As a Wildlife Rescue volunteer and animal lover, it warms my heart.