One lucky bird

Red-tailed hawk survived collision, will be returned

to the wild

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Even though it's one of many that have come through the University of Minnesota Raptor Center, some think the red-tailed hawk found injured here in August is one lucky bird.

The five-month old male survived a collision with a camper as the vehicle was coming into New Ulm on State Highway 15 and the raptor stayed lodged in the RV's grille until it pulled into the Hardee's parking lot.

New Ulm Police Sgt. Paul Kalow, the department's animal control officer, was dispatched to the parking lot.

Kalow found the hawk lying on its back, talons up and looking very alert. Once it was inside Kalow's animal carrier, it stood and became even more attentive. It was the first hawk Kalow ever dealt with.

"It watched your every movement," said Kalow, who usually deals with dogs and cats on animal control calls.

That afternoon, a volunteer from the Raptor Center came to New Ulm and picked up the hawk and took it to St. Paul.

Now, one month later, the bird is again ready to fly. It will be returned to the wild Saturday on a farm in Minnetrista, a Minneapolis suburb, as a part of the Raptor Center's annual fall raptor release.

The New Ulm hawk is one of three such birds that are a part of the Raptor Center's annual fall release, said Jennifer Cottew, spokesperson for Three Rivers Park District, which is co-sponsoring the release.

"I couldn't believe it survived the hit," she said.

Red-tailed hawks are found around open fields in Minnesota, especially near woodlots close to farms and cities. They are the most well-known and commonly-seen hawks in the Upper Midwest and are protected under state and federal laws like all species of raptors.

The red-tailed hawk is also the most common bird received by the Raptor Center. About 85 to 100 such birds are seen each year, said clinic manager Lori Arndt. She said the center takes in 750-800 birds a year. She said it sees a fair amount of birds from the areas around New Ulm, St. Peter and Mankato.

The New Ulm hawk was taken in with a skin tear on its wings, a mild abrasion on its chest and some internal injuries. Staff treated the bird first by cleaning its wounds and stiching them shut and then gave it antibiotics and cage rest before giving it excercise, Arndt said. The hawk took a total of two weeks to recover.

"All in all, it was a quick rehabilitation. These sometimes take six months to a year or more, so this bird was very lucky," Arndt said.

Arndt said hawks mainly help keep Minnesota's rodent population in check. They also sometimes serve as indicators of environmental problems like lead poisoning, which is sometimes visible at the top of the food chain.

Arndt said the spring and fall raptor releases are major events for the center, which depends upon volunteers and public support.