Amazing I-95 Hawk Rescue Gets Happy Ending

By Kristen Lamb

Director of education and outreach for the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick, Maine

In November, a local man was travelling to an appointment in Boston on 95S when he approached the Hampton Toll Plaza and noticed what he thought was debris from a tractor trailer.  As he came closer he watched in shock as it became clear the "debris" was actually a wounded red-tailed hawk.  The bird was standing strong, bravely facing the four lanes of on-coming traffic with her wings spread out, balancing herself.  The rescuer shared in that moment he could feel the impact and challenges roads and vehicles add to our local wildlife, and knew he would do whatever it took to save that bird.  

He quickly pulled over, grabbing a blanket from his trunk and studied the traffic, bracing himself to venture out and attempt the rescue.  Seemingly out of nowhere a state trooper pulled into the second lane with his lights on, got out, and told the man "go do what you have to do to rescue the hawk, I'll keep you and the traffic safe"! The man headed out and quickly scooped the bird up in the blanket, amazed at how light the intimidating looking raptor felt.  He headed back to his car, and shared that he "felt relieved to know that he could take the bird to Center for Wildlife and it would receive the professional care needed".  He also knew that we are one of a handful of places that provide wildlife medical care and environmental education in the region, and was grateful to have such a place so close to home.

Upon examination, our Wildlife Specialists discovered that amazingly the hawk had no fractures, but had a deep wound on one of her wings with the muscle exposed and skin torn off. They covered the wound and proceeded to clean and treat the wound over the next couple of months.  Volunteers and interns provided supportive care by feeding and cleaning the beautiful patient, and assisting staff with examinations by holding her.  After a couple of months the wound was completely healed, with the skin closed up and new feathers covering the old injury. 

She was placed in a small outdoor enclosure and gradually moved to larger enclosures as she built up her flight muscles and regained her strength.  She completed her last stages of rehabilitation in our 100-foot flight enclosure, flying the distance effortlessly and showing she was ready to go.  We gave the release honors to the rescuer, and she was returned back into the wild on February 5th.  The rescuer shared that this was an immense gift, and though he understood the word "stewardship" intellectually before, he felt like he was able to experience it through the bird's rescue, rehabilitation, and release. We are amazed at the red-tailed's recovery, and are so grateful to be able to help and get her back into the wild where she belongs.  Farewell red-tailed hawk!