While kayaking, one might encounter unexpected surprises. As you enjoy nature from a safe vantage point, it’s not uncommon to catch glimpses of stunning wildlife hidden near rivers, in the woods, or on the ground. What often catches someone off guard, however, are animals close to their belongings, especially at the end of an adventure.
This was the experience of Dave, a kayaker from Pennsylvania. Upon returning to his truck, he noticed a mysterious figure perched on the back window. Curiosity piqued, he took a closer look and was astonished to find a huge red-tailed hawk!
He Didn’t Expect This
Approaching his truck cautiously to verify his sighting, Dave quickly realized it was, indeed, a majestic red-tailed hawk. The bird appeared unusually still and showed no signs of fear. Despite attempts to startle it away by popping the tailgate, the hawk remained unresponsive.
Recognizing the need for help, Dave reached out to the Raven Ridge Wildlife Center in Pennsylvania to report his unusual find.
“We received a call from Dave stating that when he got home from kayaking, he noticed a red-tailed hawk in the back of his cab,” the Center later shared in a Facebook post.
Fortunately, time was on their side. A volunteer named Michelle was nearby due to another rescue and quickly sprang into action after receiving Dave’s call. Using a towel, this skilled volunteer carefully scooped up the hawk to safely remove it from the back of the truck and transported it to the Center for further evaluation.
Everything Unfolded Well
Thanks to Dave’s timely call, the hawk was saved. The examination revealed that this young red-tailed hawk was underweight and severely dehydrated. “Most first-year hawks struggle with hunting, become disoriented, or are separated from their families,” noted the Center. Fortunately, the hawk is currently undergoing recovery.
“Thanks to Dave and Michelle, the hawk is now recovering and has been transferred to outdoor flight cages to regain the strength needed for release,” they concluded. When the time is right, this beautiful bird will be free to soar once more in the wild—where it truly belongs!
