Hawk Released
Bird had been hit by a vehicle
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ELKINS -- Officials recently released a Cooper's hawk back into the wild after nursing it back to health.
The injury was reported on Oct. 29 by a concerned citizen who saw the hawk hit by a vehicle in front of a Parsons laundry mat. The hawk, a juvenile male, couldn't fly after being hit, so the citizen placed it in a cardboard box and took it to the Tucker County 911 Com Center.
The Com Center contacted West Virginia DNR Police Officer Logan Dudley, who picked up the hawk and transported it to raptor specialist Jo Santiago.
Dr. Jesse Fallon, raptor specialist at the Avian Conservation Center in Morgantown, was immediately notified. Dylan Lewis, a raptor rescue volunteer, transported the hawk to Fallon.
The hawk was given an extensive examination, and Fallon determined the hawk was not actually injured, but most likely stunned from the impact of being hit by the vehicle.
The hawk was kept for a short stay at the Avian Conservation Center for observation. ACCA volunteer Amy Hill then transported the hawk back to Parsons to be released back into his home territory.
Santiago released the hawk on Nov. 14 at the Forest Service Nursery Bottom in Parsons, accompanied by Hill and Keri Lewis, raptor rescue volunteer.
"Upon release, the feisty hawk immediately flew to a nearby tree, where he perched with one foot pulled up into his chest feathers – a sure sign he was happy to be home again," Santiago said.
Santiago thanked all involved in the rescue and release, including the concerned citizen who found the hawk, the Tucker County 911 Com Center, Dudley, Dylan and Keri Lewis, Hill, the staff and volunteers of the ACCA and Cheat Lake Animal Hospital, Katie Fallon, and Dr. Fallon.
If you should find an injured bird, please contact the ACCA at 304-906-5438.