It’s quite normal to encounter unforeseen surprises during kayaking escapades.
Amidst savoring the splendor of nature from a secure distance, one can still observe various splendid creatures concealed in the forests, rivers, or even on the vicinity’s surface.
What you wouldn’t anticipate, particularly towards the conclusion of your journey, are creatures near your personal items, or your vehicle.
Yet, precisely this occurred to Dave, a kayaker hailing from Pennsylvania. Upon noticing an enigmatic visitor resting at the back window of his truck, he struggled to believe his sight. Then, he took a closer inspection!
He Didn’t Anticipate This
Dave cautiously approached his truck to verify his suspicions. Once he got sufficiently close to examine it properly, he was convinced – it was an enormous red-tailed hawk!
In disbelief, he regarded the presence of such a large bird in such an unusual location. How this majestic bird arrived there was beyond him, but it appeared that something was amiss.
The raptor appeared rather still and showed no signs of fear. Dave tapped the tailgate a few times in hopes of encouraging it to fly away, but it remained unmoved.
After the initial astonishment and a few attempts to assist the creature himself, he gave in and decided to reach out to the Raven Ridge Wildlife Center team from Pennsylvania, to inform them about his discovery.
“We received a call from Dave stating that when he returned from kayaking, he discovered a red-tailed hawk in the rear of his truck,” the Center shared in a Facebook post.
Fortunately, everything aligned favorably in due time.
Michelle, one of the volunteers for capture transport, was in the vicinity due to another rescue mission. Upon receiving the call from Dave, she sprang into action without delay.
Utilizing a towel, this skilled volunteer delicately scooped up the hawk and successfully extracted it from the back of the truck. Following that, she transported it to the Center for comprehensive evaluation.
Everything Unfolded Favorably
Thanks to Dave’s prompt action, the hawk received timely rescue. During the check-up, the veterinarians discovered that this red-tailed beauty was in its first year – a period where their mortality rate tends to be quite elevated. This particular hawk was underweight and significantly dehydrated.
“Most of these first-year hawks face challenges with hunting, become disoriented, or get separated from their families. This specific hawk was dehydrated and underweight,” the Center added.
The Center also acknowledged that the hawk is currently undergoing recovery.
“Thanks to Dave and Michelle, the hawk is now recuperating and has been transferred to outdoor flight enclosures to regain strength for its eventual release,” they concluded.
When the appropriate moment arrives, this beautiful creature will be returned to the wild once more. After all, that is where it truly belongs!