phv
Loc: Goleta, California
This guy has been hanging around....even if the dogs come out in the yard. Maybe he has injured his eye and cannot hunt? He keeps closing the right eye as if to get better perspective. If he cannot see well, he will not be able to hunt but I do not think I can touch him. He is pretty fierce!
willaim
Loc: Sunny Southern California
Nice shots. I wouldn't touch him. Don't want those talons to grab on me.
Yep, just let him be. Looks like a coopers. vz
Possibly Cooper's, Swainson's might be another possibility--whatever it is, it does look like an eye problem; his ragged tail suggests he's been shot. You're right, his days are numbered unless he can get help. I recommend you look up the nearest bird club or Audubon Society chapter (they should have a website) and alert them (or at least a member). I'm sure they would know any local wildlife rehabilitators who would be more than happy to rescue and treat this bird (no charge to you). He could end up having a healthy, happy life. Time is of the essence so be sure to get right on it! Good of you to post this, and by the way, I believe you would have first dibs on giving him (or her) a name. Let us know if it turns out well, and maybe you can get some pics of the capture scene.
I believe you are correct about the eye. I think the bird has lost vision in that eye. It is a beautiful hawk and great photos.
phv wrote:
This guy has been hanging around....even if the dogs come out in the yard. Maybe he has injured his eye and cannot hunt? He keeps closing the right eye as if to get better perspective. If he cannot see well, he will not be able to hunt but I do not think I can touch him. He is pretty fierce!
Nice set. Maybe a wildlife raptor rehab will come get and take care of him.
Good shots.
How sad to see such a majestic bird in need of assistance. Hopefully you can locate a suitable rescue organization to care for it.
Looks like an immature Red-shouldered Hawk in extremely bad shape. If you can't get help for it soon it will die! If you have animal control officers or fish and wildlife people in your area give them a call. If they won't pick up the bird they should be able to refer you to a rescue program. Good luck.
Looks like an elderly model to me with blindness in it's right eye and it's days are numbered I would guess. Appears to be hunting in your yard at low altitudes due to it's partial vision impairment.......smaller birds & rodents mostly.
Some nice shots. Please don't touch him. His eye may be irritated or injured, however, as much as I hate to see an injured animal, allow nature to take its course. Thanks.
phv
Loc: Goleta, California
Well, I appreciate the comments! I wish I could help him but he’s flown off to the preserve behind our home. If he comes back, I’ll notify the Wildlife Rescue folks as they rescue raptors. But thank you for the suggestions and comments. This is such a nice group of folks!
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