July 17/16 – As predicted, our Swainson’s Hawk chicks have all been hit by passing vehicles. 2 of them died, the 3rd lived but was in need of care so we took him to the Alberta Birds of Prey Center in Coaldale for rehabilitation. His wing is broken. There was also injury to his face as he didn’t seem to close his jaw properly. The parents are still hanging around probably wondering what happened to their chicks.
Update July 18: I just called the Center and our hawk is doing okay and will probably be there for about 3 months until his wing heals. If it doesn’t heal properly he will stay there.
5 Responses to “Sad News about our Hawks”
This is really a shame. Where you live there is very little traffic. It doesn’t make sense. So so sad.
Unfortunately they hung around the edge of the road looking for gophers. I guess when a car passes by, they fly off in the wrong direction, going towards the car instead of into the ditch. We chased them off the road a few times but we couldn’t be there all the time.
That is disheartening, after all the time watching them grow. I found a baby Deer once, dead and caught in Sheep fencing, it’s hips weren’t narrow enough to get through. I guess some live, some die. It is sad when it isn’t by natural causes. I know how it feels.
How awful. Poor babies and poor Dad and Mom.
Oh too bad, so sad! But so good of you to take the one hawk chick to a care home! You do honour the wildlife on your property.