Three Raptors Released!
At Tucson Wildlife Center, every release is a victory, and this week we celebrate the return of three incredible birds of prey to the wild—a Cooper’s Hawk, a Red-tailed Hawk, and a Western Screech Owl.
This Cooper’s Hawk was discovered on the ground with a pubis fracture (a break in the pelvis) and an old radius fracture (a break in one of the two bones in the wing). While in our care, this agile predator regained his speed and maneuverability to chase down prey—an essential skill for survival. The video shows him being relocated to our large Eagle Flight aviary to rebuild muscle strength before release.
Also found on the ground, this Red-tailed Hawk had wounds on his toes and chest. After treatment and time to heal, this powerful Buteo (hawks known for their broad wings and relatively short, fan-shaped tail) was released back into the wild.
This small but fierce nocturnal hunter, the Western Screech Owl, was brought to TWC after being hit by a car. His intake exam revealed a lens luxation of the left eye—a condition where the lens inside the eye becomes displaced. While this can affect vision, raptors are highly adaptable, and with time and care, this owl proved he could still hunt and navigate his surroundings before being released.
Together, these three raptors highlight the resilience of wildlife and the importance of rehabilitation. Whether recovering from fractures, wounds, or vision impairment, each bird faced unique challenges on their journey back to the wild. Thanks to our dedicated wildlife care team and support from you, they now have a second chance to thrive in their natural habitats.
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