Heading Home!

One of several Rough-legged Hawks was released recently.  Kathleen Bennett from Northern Michigan University assisted with Earth Day programs, and received the honor of releasing on of these magnificent hawks.

Note the very light head of this particular Rough-legged Hawk.  Their color varies from dark chocolate brown to almost white.

Kathleen's family gathers to view the event............

 Joe gives a brief talk on arctic birds...............

Kathleen very carefully positions the hawk for release.

 And she's off!  She will fly home to her arctic territory in a matter of days.  Her mate is likely already there.

From Ontario..........

Ellie Maxwell, entomologist at Dow Gardens in Midland, found this Red-tailed Hawk down in a gulley and unable to fly.  She (the hawk) was sore and bruised and did not respond to treatment for many days.  After a  long stay in our outdoor cages, her health began to improve.

Note the USFWS band on her left leg.  This allowed us to trace her origin to a nest in Ontario.  She hatched from an egg in 2009, and was banded by Mr. Claude Radley. 

Joe hands her to Ellie for the release............................

And she' off .............in time to find a mate and nest.  It is unlikely she was on territory when found, so she could be on her way back to Canada, or if Michigan suits her, perhaps she'll stay.