WORDS FOR WILDLIFE ARTICLE #9

Red Shouldered Hawk gloats after injuring author. Note stolen glove still held in talons.

Photo by Author

Words For Wildlife
by State licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, James Orr

STUPID MISTAKES

Saturday another seriously injured hawk was dropped off. About half the size of the Red tail I have been caring for the last two months. The new arrival is a Red Shouldered Hawk. It had been shot, a State and Federal offense incidentally. His wing was broken and hanging loosely with a fair amount of blood where the bone protruded from the skin. He was also missing a toe and was in shock laying on his side mouth breathing.

The neighbor who dropped him off showed me an impressive hole in his hand were the hawk had introduced himself with a beak shake. Suffice it to say their beaks are designed to tear flesh and it was obvious the beak was working fine.

Slipping into my most impressive Kevlar bird gloves I assumed the role of an all knowing expert and mentioned the fact that Raptors are incredibly powerful and able to inflict great pain. That was an understatement as my neighbor already knew and I was about to find out “first hand” (literally and figuratively).

My neighbor had to leave so I was left alone to administer what care I could to the poor little defenseless birdie, Ha ha. It was obvious he would need Veterinarian care and probably surgery to repair the wing but I needed to immobilize it for the weekend until Dr. Davis my friendly raptor repair doctor was available Monday.

The hawk was more or less motionless as I gave him some antibiotics and treated his shock. I even managed to bind his wings while still wearing my giant Hockey Goalie-like protective gloves. Other than grabbing one of my gloves and refusing to release it he was very cooperative. As I caged him I had to slip out of the glove he refused to release putting the hawk and my glove in the cage. (Mistake Number 1) I noticed one of his legs appeared to be accidentally wrapped under the bandage. This leg was missing a toe and seemed unresponsive so I decided to inspect it to try to free it from the wrap so he would be able to stand up.(Mistake Number 2)

Even though this bird was virtually unconscious I covered his head and laid him on his back to keep him quiet. Most birds relax and quit fighting when their head is covered or they are held upside down. I figured I was doubly safe (Mistake Number 3)
Since he already had my right glove in his possession I had to use my left hand to hold him while I examined his motionless leg with my naked right hand. (Mistake Number 4)

To make a long story short his motionless leg was fine as I discovered when he sunk two talons deep into my index finger. Like the right glove he already stole he now owned my finger refusing to let go. When ever I made the slightest movement he gripped harder driving the talons even deeper until at one point one totally pierced my finger coming out the other side. It was kind of like slamming your finger in a car door and not having the keys to unlock the door.

The all knowing expert had left the building and a grimacing idiot had assumed his position as I contemplated my predicament. As a wildlife rehabilitator I had no desire to hurt the hawk despite the fact he was not as considerate toward me.. I could call 911 but he had my dialing finger. The pain was so great I found myself thinking about the guy that cut his arm off to get free of a rock slide.

In order to have a chance of prying him loose I would have to let go of his legs with the gloved hand, take off that glove (GULP), and hope his free “good” leg would not also grab me. It took almost five minutes of delicate maneuvering to finally pry the talons loose and return him to his cage without further injury to either of us.

He has a tough road ahead with minimal chance of recovery and even less of ever flying again, but at least I know is very strong and willing to fight hard to survive. That is half the battle. He still has my right glove.

THE LAW ON RAPTORS
Arkansas Code 1820 Taking a Raptor (Owls, Hawks, Falcons, etc.) or Bald Eagle is prohibited and punishable as follows: $1000.00 fine, possible loss of priveleges, 18 points on your record and double the above if in a management area. There are also Federal penalties that could be imposed.

DONATIONS NEEDED If you would like to help any donation amount it is greatly appreciated. Donations should be made out to Witter Wildlife Refuge and can be sent to P.O. Box 1118, Huntsville AR 72740.

See web page under "HOW YOU CAN HELP" for specific ways you can help us help wildlife