You Are The Wind Beneath Our Wings!

We would be remiss not to begin this e-blast with a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who responded to our Spring / Summer Appeal. Because of your generosity, we have already raised over $27,000 - and donations are still coming in!

Each gift we receive helps make the stories like the one you’ll read below possible.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Just over one year ago, we received a call from Potter Valley - roughly 2 hours north of BRC in Mendocino County - about a young Red-shouldered Hawk. He was down on the ground, wet, cold and visibly shaken.

Fortunately, the finders contacted us right away and we were able find a volunteer to make the 4-hour roundtrip drive to transport him to BRC.

The initial exam found some mild dehydration and minor CNS (central nervous system) issues. Once we determined there were no broken bones, and because he was wet and icy cold, we placed him in a warm, quiet place to help reduce his stress.

The next day, we performed a more thorough exam. We found bruising around the oil gland and on the right hip. We also saw that he continued to display some problems with balance which indicated possible head trauma.

Lab tests also confirmed the presence of parasites so we began treatments for those in addition to the inflammation and pain caused by the bruising and head trauma.

As he recovered, we noted that he would initially 'play dead' when placed back in his cage; however, we were delighted to see that after that he displayed the feisty spirit we want to see in any wild bird.

Medications continued for the next week. During that time, his balance improved and he became more and more active. It was time to move him into an aviary.

Steady Progress

After several days in one of our aviaries, it was time to creance him.

Creancing is a technique for tethered flight which gives us the ability to assess whether a bird is ready to return to the wild. During creancing, we check for strength, stamina, and any lingering issues from injury or trauma. We are looking for anything that might impact a bird's ability to survive - and to thrive.

A mere 16 days after his arrival, it was time to go home. Our Release Team packed him up and headed to Potter Valley where the finders were waiting to welcome him back.

After giving this hawk a little time to acclimate and survey the surrounding area, we let him go and watched him soar effortlessly toward the trees.

We took our leave, heartened with the knowledge that the finders would be closely monitoring him. This last photo was taken just a few days after his release.

Just last month, we received a note and the pictures above from our finders confirming the Red-shoulder Hawk was alive and well. They have affectionately named him Fireball and delight in the knowledge that together we were able to return him to the wild. What a reinforcement of our work - and the roles we all play in safeguarding our avian populations.

Just after arriving, a wrap was placed on the left leg.

This picture is of another young Red-shouldered Hawk recently in our care. He came to us in early June with a broken femur (leg) after falling from his nest.

Thankfully, after just one week in a wrap his leg was healed. A reunite with the family was not possible, so we had to keep him until he was able to fly and survive on his own.

Standing tall after the wrap is removed.

Look how much he grew after only 24 days in care!

He was clearly showing off his leg strength and ready for the wild!

On release day, another

'Fireball' enters the skies!

These magnificent birds are critically important to maintaining a healthy environment.

By donating today, you can help save baby hawks and countless others. Since the beginning of Baby Bird Season just over 3 months ago, we have already admitted over 1,600 birds. Despite working with a skeleton crew and the many challenges facing us all, BRC is open - and, thanks to you, we are saving lives.

Please become part of this life-saving work!

This life-saving work happens because of you!

Thanks to you, this year alone approximately 3,000 native wild birds will get the care they need to a have second chance at life.

Thank you for your generosity and support!