PATIENTS: Broad-winged Hawks, #11-1434 & #11-1568 

CAUSE OF ADMISSION:  Orphaned

OUTCOME:  Released September 15, 2011

On June 20, some hikers found a young Broad-winged Hawk on the ground after a storm at Hungry Mother State Park in Smyth County.  The hawk was taken to permitted rehabilitators, who in turn sent the young bird to the Wildlife Center on June 24.  The Broad-winged Hawk, patient number 11-1434, was basically healthy, though had some debris in both of its ears — likely from being blown around in the storm and being on the ground for a few days. 

On July 4, a permitted rehabilitator in Roanoke admitted a young Broad-winged Hawk that was found on the ground.  Without a known nest around, the hawk was admitted to the Wildlife Center the following day.  Patient 11-1568 was also a mostly healthy young bird — and was just treated for parasites. 

The young hawks were paired up — as it’s always best to raise young wildlife with a “sibling”.  It’s also best for young raptors to look at an adult role model, if possible — so education ambassador Grayson, a Broad-winged Hawk, was tapped for the job.  When the hawks first arrived, they spent time in a crate in Grayson’s enclosure each day. 

As the young hawks began to mature, they were moved to their own outdoor patient enclosure and were able to start making small flights.  At the end of July, they were moved into a larger flight enclosure to practice flying.  The rehabilitation staff anticipate that these hawks will be released by mid-September.

Check out the Broad-winged Hawks on the Wildlife Center’s Critter Cam!

September 8 update

The two Broad-winged Hawks have been doing quite well in their flight pen — they’ve clearly demonstrated to cam viewers that they can fly well!

On September 8, “mouse school” or live prey testing, was started.  A large tub was moved into the enclosure and four live mice were placed into the tub.  This is an essential part of rehabilitating any raptor — particularly the young raptors that have never experienced live prey.  The hawks will be fed live mice for at least the next five days. 

September 14 update

Live prey testing has been going well for the Broad-winged Hawks.  They have both been successfully catching and killing their live prey, which shows the Wildlife Center staff [and cam fans] that those instincts are kicking in and they know what to do with live prey.

Both hawks were caught up on September 13 to have blood drawn for a pre-release blood work analysis.  Everything came back within normal limits, so the veterinary staff have signed off on their release. 

The hawks will be released on Thursday, September 15 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

September 15 update

Release day!  Both Broad-winged Hawks were released on the Blue Ridge Parkway this morning.  One hawk, #11-1434 managed to sneak off without a photo shoot — but here are some other photos of the release.

BWHA #11-1568

 And check out this video of Broad-winged Hawk #11-1568’s release!

Frequently Asked Questions about Broad-winged Hawks

Your special donation will help the Center to provide state-of-the-art medical care to these hawks … and to the 2,300+ other patients the Center will admit this year.  Please help!