Red-tailed hawk released at Maymont after rescue, rehabilitation by Wildlife Center of Virginia
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A red-tailed hawk was released at Maymont on Thursday, months after being rescued and rehabilitated by the Wildlife Center of Virginia in May.
The hawk was released in front of a crowd of 175 people around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, on the hill near the Robins Nature Center.
According to a release from the Wildlife Center of Virginia, the hawk was rescued on May 26 after it was found grounded near downtown Richmond. Veterinary staff discovered the hawk was a fledgling -- a young bird that is learning to fly -- and had a previously healed pelvic fracture.
While the exact cause of the injury is unknown, it is suspected that the hawk may have fledged from the nest early and injured itself in the process.
(Photo: Woody Mallory)
(Photo: Woody Mallory)
(Photo: Woody Mallory)
By mid-June, the rehabilitation team had the hawk start daily flight exercises in a large outdoor enclosure to build its flight strength and stamina. On July 31, the bird was cleared for release.
“It took a moment to take in its surroundings, then took flight out of the crate and landed high up in a tree on its right. It stuck around for a while, giving attendees a great opportunity to watch,” said the Wildlife Center of Virginia's director of outreach, Connor Gillespie.
