2005 Rescue and Release

"Cooper-San" (Japanese for "Mr. Cooper")

Released June 29, 2005

Valery Smith, MWR Director, holds a Cooper's Hawk moments before he is released into the woods behind the Gallenbeck residence. The Hawk was found in Hernando by Mrs. Kelly Jacobs, who named him. "I was driving to a friends' home when I saw a bird standing in the other lane," Mrs. Jacobs said. "I expected him to fly up as I passed by, and when he didn't I knew something was wrong. I circled back to check and the poor bird was dazed and unafraid of me so I carefully bagged him and took him home. I called my veterinarian who referred me to the volunteers of MWR. I don't know what I would have done with Cooper-San if MWR hadn't been available to treat him. I made a donation to pay for the expenses of his care, and now am a proud volunteer for MWR."

This male Cooper's Hawk, which was apparently shot by a pellet gun, spent three days in rehabilitation. The pellet entered and exited the bird's face and tore off a piece of his beak. Mrs. Smith cleaned the wound and administered antibiotics. Fortunately the wound healed rapidly and there was no other damage.

All Cooper’s Hawks are Federally protected (even their feathers and nest!) and only Federally licensed care givers are allowed to keep them until they are rehabilitated.

Some facts about Cooper's Hawks:

• They have red eyes.
• "Wings Forward" is a defensive position for this hawk.