Hawk takes flight after feather transplant

A malnourished, weak and injured hawk that was brought into the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, P.E.I.,  six weeks ago was released into the wild Wednesday after receiving a feather transplant.

He took flight at Chelton Beach in western P.E.I., close to where he was found by locals Victoria and Adam Halupa more than a month ago as he was being preyed on by other birds.

"When the other birds were attacking him, he just kind of hunched up there and took it," said Victoria.

AVC wildlife technician Fiep de Bie said the bird was in rough shape.

"It was actually very thin. It was also missing some flight feathers, and it had some lesions on the feet."

AVC staff took feathers of a donor hawk and transplanted them into the injured hawk — a process called imping.

After healing and gaining weight, the hawk was ready to be released back into the wild.

Although the first attempt at a takeoff was a little bumpy, the hawk was eventually able to get air under its wings after a bit of a break.

The Halupas are pleased they were able to help the hawk and see it take flight.

"Not only get to see it, but have it back here where he was found, it's just, I'm so thrilled," said Victoria.

Adam said, "We'll hopefully see him flying around here all the time."