Jet Saves an Injured Red Shoulder Hawk

A few Saturdays ago, Jet made the kind of commotion that brought to mind—feral cat. I went out back to calm him. Rather than a cat, Jet had spotted an injured red shoulder hawk. (photo 1) A beautiful raptor who had likely clipped a utility wire and injured its left wing. I put Jet inside. The hawked again tried to fly but got no farther than a few yards. (photo 2) I telephoned county animal control. Operator promised to send some one who would then take the hawk to a raptor rehab center. Within 30 minutes, the rescuer arrived. (photo 3) That hawk actually seemed happy to see him. It sat patiently as he draped its head (photo 4) and then gently placed it in a crate for safe passage. (photo 5) Patient was reportedly doing well. Jet, for all his fury, saved him. I never would have spotted the quiet, orangey bird among the leaves. It would not have survived the night.