Red-Tailed Hawk Window Strike
March 8, 2024
A young Red-tailed hawk was admitted to PAWS on December 24th, 2023, after reportedly colliding with a window in Seattle.
Avian window strikes are not rare occurrences. A 2014 collaborative study estimated that between 365 and 988 million birds are killed by windows each year. This devastating toll is only surpassed by that of free-ranging cats which may kill as many as 4 billion wild birds annually in the U.S. alone.
Upon initial assessment, the wildlife staff found that this hawk was unable to walk and perch due to their injuries, although nothing seemed to impair flight. Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Nicki Rosenhagen conducted a full exam with radiographs. “We thought it might have been a nerve injury given the degree of lameness and inability to palpate any long bone fractures during the initial exam,” Dr. Rosenhagen explained. “With radiographs, we confirmed that there was a fracture very close to the hip joint. In many cases, a fracture this close to the joint results in severely decreased or altered leg use, but this bird was still trying to perch and use the leg, so we decided to give him a chance.”
The Red-tailed hawk remained at PAWS Wildlife Center where they were diligently cared for and monitored by the wildlife rehabilitation team during its recovery. Almost six weeks after intake, the hawk passed its final assessment with flying—and perching—colors.
New Partners for Wildlife (P4W) veterinary intern, Lyn Davis, joined Dr. Rosenhagen for this patient’s return to the wild. “It’s always rewarding to see one of our wildlife patients return to the wild. Fractures, especially near a joint like the hip, can be difficult to manage, which makes this release feel even more special.”
PAWS encourages members of the public to learn about avian window strikes and be proactive about prevention. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds is a great resource for safeguarding our feathered neighbors. If you’ve encountered a wild animal that may need assistance, please contact PAWS Wildlife Center to speak with a wildlife specialist!