RTH Release

[Bonnie Block]

I was present yesterday at the release of a rehabilitated red-tailed hawk.
I have been asked by our local wildlife shelter to donate my time and cameras for documenting the shelter's program. They take in over 700 animals over the course of a year--and about half are returned to the wild. The shelter operates entirely off of donations.
I don't know this particular hawks story--I'll find out more about her tomorrow.
It is not that easy to get a flight shot--she came out and was gone in a instant--hard to follow at that close a range! :) I will get more practice, I'm sure! ;)

[denise ippolito]

Always nice to see a happy ending. TFS:)

[Alfred Forns]

Looks like a happy bird Bonnie !!! Must be satisfying to see the birds fly !!

[Lana Hays]

I love a happy ending.....and I think that you did well getting the image. It certainly tells a wonderful story.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Beautifully captured Bonnie and what a great privilege to be able to see the release and to photograph such am awesome moment. I will look forward to your future posts !!!

[Julie Kenward]

I think you did very well! I can't think of a better way to spend your time and talents. ;)

[Danny J Brown]

Bonnie - I think you did a great job catching that little rocket coming out of the crate.

[Bonnie Block]

Thanks everyone. I got a little more information about this hawk today.
Seems she is very young and was found WALKING on the side of the road. She was all wet, unable to fly
and suffering from malnutrition.
The staff explained to me that this young hawk got caught in some of our bad weather--and was not too well versed in staying dry (ie--perching towards the trunk of the tree). She probably got wet and the young hawk feathers do not shed water as well as an adult--she was unable to fly and therefore unable to hunt.
A passerby threw his coat over her and caught her.
She was at the shelter for 2 1/2 months--fed up to good weight and tested for flight and ability to kill prey (a rabbit)-- and as you can see successfully released--hopefully to have a very good rest of her life!