The majority of starving raptors we rescue each year are immature red-tailed hawks. Once rescued, these birds are generally so near death it takes very careful handling to bring them back from the edge. They are kept in warm, dark, cages and given IV or sub-cutaneous fluids for approximately 24 hours to rehydrate them and stabilize their electrolyte balance. Feeding starts in very small amounts with continued fluid support. Deworming and antibiotics are usually also necessary.
Migratory hawks provide an unusual opportunity.
Many are kept over the winter since it would be foolish to release them too early only to starve again. We hope that by releasing them in the spring, they will now have another spring and summer to hone their hunting skills. When released, these migratory birds will head back to their northern breeding grounds. I invite anyone who wishes to share one of these wonderful moments with us to please call St. Francis Wildlife for details. It's 11 o'clock at night, and the beeper suddenly begins its insistent call.