A Hawk's Tale

Driving home from work, on April 20, 2016, I saw a bird in the middle of the road, and assumed it was a Raven, which would normally fly away as cars approached, but this bird didn't. As I got closer, it was apparent that this was a red tailed hawk, and it looked right at me as I slowly drove

by. It was apparent that he needed help, so I turned my truck around. After pulling off the road, I ran out to pick him up and brought him to the truck. Both of us safely seat-belted, I headed home.

Once we arrived at home, he was taken to an extra bedroom where he was released. Of course, his first impulse was to fly to the window but he was unable to get out. I felt sorry for him because he just wanted to get back home. After preparing a large dog crate, he was gently placed in his temporary home.

I began making a few phone calls to see where to take him. That led me to CALM (California Living Museum) in Bakersfield. The next day we headed down to CALM's Rehabilitation Center, where they would help restore him to health.

During the next month I called to check up on his progress. Don Richardson (CALM curator) informed me that he was recovering very well and could be released soon. Apparently "Kwah" was a young hawk who wasn't taking good care of himself, and had weakened due to the lack of nutrition.

On May 24, I received a phone call that Kwah was being released in a few hours. I met with Don at Tom Sawyer Lake, next to the Golden Hills Country Club.

As Don opened the box where Kwah was kept, it took only seconds for him to quickly jump out and take flight. As we watched him flap his wings toward a nearby telephone pole, he was immediately besieged by a raven. Kwah landed on the telephone pole, but the raven continued to pester him.

After a few minutes of this unwelcomed attack; Kwah took flight once again. This time he out-flew the raven and started to get back in the rhythm of his own strength. I watched him as he flew further and further away, but what pleased me the most, was when he just glided on the wind. He was home once again.

Although I felt happy for Kwah, I still felt a little sad. I had grown attached in a short time, and I was going to miss this mighty hawk who was once again soaring the skies of Tehachapi.

A special thanks goes out to the staff at CALM. They took Kwah in, and gave him the love and care that he needed. They were very accommodating, and helpful. These people accomplish so much good behind closed doors, and rely solely on donations to fund their Rehabilitation Center.

If you would like to donate to their cause, I know that they would greatly appreciate it. There are many more stories like Kwah's.

Visit their website at http://calmzoo.org/ Or you can call them at (661) 872-2256.