SWEPCO and Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation (NWBR) are excited to announce the release of a rehabilitated Cooper’s Hawk at Eagle Watch Nature Trail on Friday, November 22, at 4:30 p.m. The event is open to the public.
“We are honored to host the release of this remarkable Cooper's Hawk at our Eagle Watch Nature Trail,” said Scott Carney, Flint Creek Power Plant’s Environmental Consultant. “We appreciate NWBR’s service to the care and rehabilitation of local birds and are proud to provide a venue for reintroduction to the wild. This event not only highlights the importance of wildlife conservation but also gives the community a chance to witness the beauty of raptors in their natural habitat.”
Patient 2024-0541, the Cooper’s Hawk, was admitted to NWBR on August 26, after being found in Northwest Arkansas with a suspected soft tissue injury to its right wing. The bird was brought to NWBR by a nature enthusiast who discovered it unable to fly. After a thorough examination, NWBR's medical team suspected a soft tissue injury to the carpal joint and treated the bird with supportive care. Once released from hospitalization, it was transferred to a flight aviary to rebuild muscle mass.
“Cooper’s Hawks are high-energy birds that require specialized rehabilitation,” said Dr. Emily Warman, a veterinarian at NWBR. “We are thrilled to see Patient 0541 successfully pass flight tests and ready to return to the wild. This release is a testament to the dedication of our medical team and the support from our community partners.”
The release celebration will take place at Eagle Watch Nature Trail, a public-access nature reserve known for its diverse bird species and scenic beauty. The event is part of NWBR’s ongoing mission to conserve Northwest Arkansas’s natural environment through the rehabilitation of native birds.
“We’re grateful to SWEPCO and the American Electric Power Foundation for their continued support, which makes releases like this possible and enriches our community,” added Dr. Warman.
Event Details:
- What: Release of rehabilitated Cooper’s Hawk
- When: Friday, November 22, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
- Where: Eagle Watch Nature Trail, 21721-21779 AR-12, Gentry, Ark.
- Open to the Public
For more information about NWBR and upcoming events, visit www.northsongbird.org.