Baby Cooper hawk

Arizona is home to a lot of interesting wildlife and part of the thrill of living in my little town - which is less populated and more rural than some nearby towns like Scottsdale - is the front row seat we get to see some of the wildlife up close and personal. I've been lucky enough to see small herds of javelina, bobcats, and yes, even a mountain lion on two occasions.

And the birds are amazing - turkey vultures, our beloved quail, and many owls, to name just a few.

This week I not only had the pleasure of seeing a fledgling Cooper hawk but I was part of its rescue. 

It started 3 days ago. I was walking Bella in our backyard and a young hawk flew past us and landed on our wall. Being the animal lover that I am, I was both pleased and surprised to see him just sitting there. He looked at me and let me get very close to him. I could tell he was young so I left him alone assuming his parent was nearby and wouldn't appreciate me bothering her baby. After a few minutes, he flew off and I didn't think about it again.

However, the next day he was back. This time he hung around and again he let me get very close to him without even attempting to get away. That just didn't seem right. I kept an eye on him for the next hour. He moved from one spot to another but stayed in the yard. My spidey sense was definitely picking up something. I called our local raptor rescue (Wild At Heart Rescue) and they made arrangements for someone to come to my house to capture him and get him medical attention. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived, the little guy had taken off. We looked all over for almost an hour but he was nowhere to be found. The volunteers left but told me to call them if he returned. Luckily, they lived only a few miles away. I was disappointed and worried but tried to console myself that he was probably okay.

BUT - in less than hour, he was back. I called the volunteers and they said they would be right over. This time, I was determined to keep our young hawk safe until they arrived. I grabbed a laundry basket, quietly walked up behind him and placed it over him. He was safe until help could arrive.

Which it did a few minutes later. The two volunteers were able to safely grab him and then whisked him off to the medical facility at the rescue.  I was given the honor of naming him. I named him Sean Patrick in honor of my kitty Sean who died this past January.

They called me later that night and told me Sean Patrick Hawk was indeed sick. He had a parasite which would have killed him if left untreated. He was getting fluids and medication and prayers were sent up that he recovers.

 I don't know if he made it. I hope he did. In any case, I am glad I was able to help in any way.