Broadwing Hawks Released by Wildlife Interns!

Raptor Intern Jessie Leonard and Mammal Intern Catherine Britt released two Broadwing Hawks at Oak Mountain State Park last week. Catherine's young bird remained on her gloved hand long enough for his close-up before taking flight. The young hawk was found on the ground in Oxford when his nest tree was downed by loggers. After receiving a month and a half of TLC at The Wildlife Center, the bird was returned to health and released at one of the Park's lakes.

Jessie's hawk (R) was obviously ready to return to the freedom of the skies! This hawk arrived at the center in an emaciated state. He had damage to his feather follicles and remained at the Center as his feathers began to regrow. He was returned to the wild with his fellow Wildlife Center resident on August 10.

Releasing a wild creature back into its natural environment is the ultimate satisfaction for any rehabilitator. The Wildlife Center Intern Program offers young rehabilitators the opportunity to get this experience first-hand early in their careers.