One day in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a man named William Ortiz was driving along a busy highway when he spotted something unusual nearby.
In the middle of the road lay a mysterious creature, obviously in dire need of assistance. Despite the cars speeding past, none of the drivers stopped to help.
Without knowing what kind of animal it was, William didn’t hesitate and pulled over to assist. Maneuvering through the rush of traffic, he patiently inched closer to the creature.
When he finally reached it, his heart sank at the sight before him. Without a second thought, he called for help.
In A Very Bad State
In front of William, a young, injured red-tailed hawk was unable to move. Everything suggested that this poor animal had been struck by a car, with its callous driver continuing on without stopping. Luckily, William was there at the right moment and quickly contacted Raven Ridge Wildlife Center for help.
Fortunately, the wildlife center is also located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, so help arrived quickly. Sadly, when the team examined the hawk, they were shocked by its injuries.
“I just can’t imagine the pain and agony that bird was in,” said wildlife rehabilitator Tracie Young to The Dodo.
According to the RRWC Facebook post, the hawk was in terrible condition: both eyes shut, struggling to stand, suffering from torticollis, and severe head trauma. The injuries were so critical that the rescuers despaired of its survival.
However, after 72 hours of intensive care, a miracle occurred – the hawk could open its eyes and stand on its own. It was clear that he was improving, bringing immense joy and pride to his rescuers.
Just hours prior, this bird’s life had been precarious; now he was poised for the next phase of recovery, preparing to return to his rightful home.
On The Way To Freedom
Once the wildlife center veterinarians determined that the hawk was ready for the next step, Young arranged for an experienced falconer to continue his recovery.
“Falconers spend a significant amount of time training their birds to develop a strong bond and establish trust. This involves teaching the bird to respond to commands, such as returning to the glove or perch. They also work on conditioning the bird’s fitness and hunting skills through exercise and simulated hunting sessions.” RRWC noted in their Facebook post.
This part of the process would not only ensure full recovery, but also equip him with the skills needed for survival in the wild. It is expected that he will be ready to be released by spring.
At that moment, everything was progressing perfectly, and the hawk was thriving. The RRWC even shared a video online showing the hawk’s transformation, highlighting his progress.
It’s only a matter of time before he can soar once again.
Ultimately, we can happily say that one life was saved due to the compassion of a caring individual who, unlike many others, chose not to ignore the plight of a vulnerable creature.
The fact that many in this species do not make it to their first birthday only enhances the significance of this act of kindness.
