Raptors Need Their Tail Feathers
* PLEASE BE ADVISED *
* This video contain images and information that may be disturbing to some viewers.
* If you are sensitive to sad tales, please do not watch this video.
This video includes two raptors, a Red Tailed Hawk currently at our rescue center, and older footage of a Golden Eagle from early 2018.
The Red Tailed Hawk may have been struck by a car and temporarily stunned. However, before the hawk was brought in it appears it was injured in an additional way. From the damage to feathers on one wing, Martin thinks that wing was grabbed by someone who held the hawk in order to rip out the tail feathers. All but two tail feathers were taken.
This is something that Martin sees once or twice a year. It is very cruel and painful to the raptor. The Red Tailed Hawk will have to stay with us for quite awhile, possibly a year, until new feathers grow in.
Another similar incident happened to the Golden Eagle who arrived injured and missing all but one tail feather.
More information about the Golden Eagle can be found here:
About three minutes into the video, Slow Down for Eagles
For Eagle FAQS, please visit:
https://www.gowildlife.org/questions-about-eagles-faq/