Calgary Wildlife celebrates release of healed hawk at Ralph Klein Park

A Swainson's hawk injured in a car strike is back in the sky. Calgary wildlife crews released it at Ralph Klein Park on Thursday afternoon.

Staff from a Calgary wildlife rehabilitation centre have successfully helped a young Swainson’s hawk return to the wild after it was injured.

The bird was taken to Calgary Wildlife in early August after it’s believed it was clipped by a car.

On Thursday, crews released the hawk at Ralph Klein Park.

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“This guy’s a young bird that came to us about 23 days ago,” said Melanie Whalen, director of animal care and wildlife services for Calgary Wildlife. “Luckily, there were people around who were able to respond to him and contact us.”

Young raptors often end up in accidents as they learn to fly, Whalen said.

She believes the hawk hatched this year and was still developing its control in the air when it struck the vehicle.

Once at the centre, the bird went through a careful process: initial quarantine, medical care, recovery in a hospital pen and eventually time in a flight pen where staff could test its strength and readiness.

“It means everything,” Whalen said of seeing the hawk soar away. “It’s the reason why we do this. When we have these opportunities to get them back out in the wild. This is why we do it.”

The release happened close to where the hawk was found, part of a policy to ensure animals return to their home range. That way, Whalen said, they can reconnect with familiar territory and avoid spreading disease to other areas.

Swainson’s hawks are migratory, travelling as far south as Argentina for the winter.

Staff hope the young bird will now be able to join its parents on that long journey.

While not all rescues have happy endings – Whalen said the success rate in wildlife rehabilitation is typically 30 to 40 per cent — Thursday’s release offered a rare bright moment.

For Calgarians who come across an animal in distress, Whalen urged caution.

“We would prefer that people give us a call,” she said. “It’s safety for yourself and safety for the animal. These animals are often sick, and we don’t know what they have, so it’s always best just to contact a professional and we can respond.”

To report injured or orphaned wildlife, you can call 403-241-1312.