Unexpected surprises often accompany kayaking adventures. While enjoying the beauty of nature, you can come across magnificent creatures nestled in the woods, rivers, or even on the ground. However, you might not anticipate finding animals near your belongings or vehicle as you conclude your journey.
Such was the case for Dave, a Pennsylvania kayaker who was astounded to discover a mysterious visitor perched on the back window of his truck. Approaching cautiously to examine the situation, he was stunned to confirm it was a huge red-tailed hawk. Initial disbelief soon turned to concern as he noticed something seemed off about the majestic bird.
He Didn’t Expect This
Upon closer inspection, he realized the bird was not moving and did not show any signs of fear. After several attempts to urge it to fly away by popping the tailgate, he decided to contact the Raven Ridge Wildlife Center team 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 recounted in a Facebook post.
Fortunately, help arrived swiftly. Michelle, a volunteer for capture transportation, was nearby due to another incident and responded promptly to Dave’s distress call. She carefully and skillfully used a towel to scoop up the hawk, safely removing it from the truck and transporting it back to the Center for evaluation.
Everything Unfolded Well
Thanks to Dave’s timely call, the hawk received critical care. Examination by veterinarians revealed that it was a first-year bird, a stage associated with high mortality rates, and it was found to be underweight and severely dehydrated. “Most first-year hawks struggle to hunt, lose direction, or get separated from their families,” the Center noted. However, this hawk is currently undergoing recovery and has been moved to outdoor flight cages to regain strength in preparation for its eventual release back into the wild, where it rightfully belongs!
