Seattle, a red-tailed hawk that was inadvertently imprinted to humans when he was being treated for broken legs and an injured wing as a chick, has a happy home with Cathy Blecker, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and falconer in Kane County, Illinois. According to The Chronicle, Blecker adopted Seattle when it was determined he could not be released, as he would approach humans for food and could put himself in danger. The bird is not a pet, but has a secure home with Blecker and regularly participates in educational presentations.Blecker and her husband helped start The Northern Illinois Raptor Center, which works toward raptor conservation, education and research.
Interested in just what it takes to be a bird rehabilitator? The book Flyaway by Suzie Gilbert offers a rare glimpse at the life of bird rehabbing, including how you can help rehabilitators and wildlife rehabilitation facilities.
Red-Tailed Hawk
Photo © Scot Campbell
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