The three Cooper’s Hawk nestlings were found in the middle of a busy park in El Centro, California. With no protection and unable to fly, the young raptors were in grave danger. The bustling park was filled with people, dogs, and prowling cats, any of which could harm the defenseless birds.
The three nestlings arrived at Vida Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Yuma, Arizona. Exhausted and frightened, they were placed in a warm, quiet enclosure where trained rehabilitators examined them.
Over the next several weeks, the young hawks were given everything they needed to grow strong. They were fed a proper diet to mimic what their parents would have provided. As their feathers grew in, they were introduced to flight training, allowing them to build their strength and coordination. Under the careful watch of their caretakers, they learned to hunt, developing the instincts they would need to survive in the wild.
Finally, the day came when they were ready. The young hawks, now sleek and powerful, were transported to a suitable release site—an area abundant with prey and safe from urban hazards. One by one, they were given the chance to reclaim their freedom.