RED-TAILED HAWK
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Among our most mysterious creatures at "BACK TO THE WILD" are several species of hawks and owls - the Birds of Prey - the Raptors. They intrigue visitors who come to the center and many people bring up myths and stories about them that have persisted since early civilization - that owls are believed to possess magical powers or represent evil or bad omens. Of course, we now understand that these magnificent birds are a wonderful part of our natural world - whose presence in the environment is vital and necessary. Hawks and owls consume enormous quantities of harmful, crop-destroying rodents and insects, helping to achieve a balance in populations. They are environmental indicators, telling us the condition of the planet. Their greatest enemy is man - either directly or indirectly, as we continue to erase natural areas from the face of this earth.
There are 22 raptors housed here at BACK TO THE WILD, whose injuries will not allow them to return to the wild. Since these injuries are most often directly related to human carelessness and disregard, we make a great effort, through educational programming, to stress conservation, habitat protection, wildlife laws and our personal responsibility as caretakers of the earth. That is why rehabilitators believe in using disabled wild animals - victims of man's carelessness - to help make people become aware of the environmental problems facing wildlife today. These non-releasable animals make a powerful impact on listeners and provide a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about our natural world and how important their presence is in the whole scheme of things. Used as educational tools, they serve as ambassadors of their species, to benefit other wildlife, and instill in children especially, a sense of appreciation and respect for all living things.
Although I feel privileged and honored to be in the presence of these wonderful creatures and to be able to work so closely with wild animals, I know that to them, it is an intrusion. When I look at these beautiful creatures each day here at the center, in their cages, I know that this is the down-side of rehabilitation. I know they will never know freedom again. But how fortunate, we are, to be able to use their tragedies to help restore human respect, appreciation and concern for the future of this species and our earth's health as a whole. When children attend our programs, I see them listening, learning and becoming aware. Our goal is that the educational programs we provide, will help children to make better decisions - informed decisions, as they grow to become the adults and leaders of our future.
Pictured here are some of our permanent residents. They are not named, as we feel it would contribute to them being thought of as "pets".
They do not really belong to anyone and never will - they belong to the wild!
Our beautiful Red-tailed Hawk was admitted to the center October 31, 1993. She had been shot and lost part of her left wing. In her struggle to gain flight, she battered and broke her right wing also. Someone's cruelty ended her freedom. But she remains a proud and noble bird, representing a species that has overcome habitat destruction and adapted so well, her kind have become the most widely distributed of all diurnal bird of prey. They are year-round residents Ohio and are our most common large hawk.
Red-tail hawks are the Classic "buteo" and are often seen soaring over open country, riding the thermals or perching conspicuously on a branch or fencepost near a field edge or along a highway. What better place to find a great meal than in the grassy edges along roads and in the medians! Unfortunately, this causes large numbers of red-tails to become victims of cars. Our Red-tail has been holding the attention of thousands of children and adults each year at our programs. She has inspired a great number of children to become involved in environmental activities & volunteer programs from aluminum can recycling to car washes to help raise funding for the center. This hawk eats at least six mice or two medium or one large rat each day! Despite her large size and appearance with a wingspan of 48", Red-tails average about 3 to 3 1/2 lbs. Females are almost always larger in size and weight than males.
Our second Red-tailed Hawk, used in Educational Programs here at the Center, just arrived in the fall of 2002. Another victim of a car strike, she is left with a crippled wing. She will join our efforts here at BACK TO THE WILD to help our message reach children and adults of all ages.
There are two! Our female kestrel arrived at the center in November of 1996. She was found in someone's yard, near starvation. The reason was quite apparent. She was blind in one eye. We do not know what happened to her, but she quickly recovered here at the center. With her loss of depth perception, she would not be a good candidate for release. Our male kestrel was hit by a car in January of 1999 and has permanent wing damage. They share a cage here at the center and seem almost content even though I know they long to be free in the wild!
Our feeling was that these unfortunate wild creatures could help us send our message to the public about habitat destruction and poisoning of their food chain. These striking little falcons consume enormous quantities of insects and small rodents. They are, sadly, in constant danger from the mis-use of pesticide and rodent poisons. American Kestrels are considered the smallest bird of prey in North America. They are about the size of mourning doves. The kestrel is the only cavity nesting hawk in Ohio, using abandoned woodpecker holes. They will readily accept artificial nesting boxes. Most raptors have similar plumages, but the male kestrel's plumage is distinctly different from the females. As with most hawks, eagles and falcons the male is the smaller of the sexes. This is known as "sexual dimorphism". Look for the American Kestrel perched on telephone lines along the highway or hovering over open fields.
Our Rough-legged Hawk was spotted in a field by a caring passer-by. Fortunately, we were alerted and were able to rescue this impressive bird. We were saddened to see that his wing was nearly severed. Rather than euthanizing this beautiful bird of prey, we chose to have him become part of our educational programming. This hawk is unique with his legs feathered to the toes and his rather small feet, for such a large bird. But he comes from the cold, rugged terrain of the arctic tundra where his physical characteristics are adaptations to a harsh environment. The Rough-legged Hawk is one of North America's largest hawks. They occur in a wide range of color variations from very light to a melanistic color which reminds you of an Immature Bald Eagle's plumage. Voles, lemmings and hares make up most of its diet on the tundra - and here in the lower 48 states, where they show up in winter migration. Here they search open fields for voles, mice and other small prey.
This hawk is a newcomer, arriving just a few weeks ago. He faces surgery but should do quite well. He is already eagerly eating his share of rats and mice and shows a great will to live! We only hope his sacrifice of freedom will somehow benefit other wildlife and teach humans to become better caretakers of our earth and its inhabitants.
This flight cage is an important part of the center where the raptors may stretch their wings and fly.
Go to the next gallery for Owls.
BACK TO THE WILD wildlife rehabilitation center in Castalia, Ohio.
BACK TO THE WILD home page URL is:
HTTP://BACKTOTHEWILD.COM/
