On Friday, October 3, Ocean Reef members and staff gathered at Sunrise Cay Park to witness a remarkable moment—the release of a red-shouldered hawk back into the wild after a successful rehabilitation by the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center.
The hawk’s journey began on September 3, when a homeowner at Ocean Reef discovered the bird injured on their property. Following a call to the Bird Center, staff carefully walked the finder through how to safely contain the hawk. The homeowner then brought the bird to the Ocean Reef gatehouse, where Bird Center staff met them to transport the patient to the hospital for urgent care.
Upon intake, the hawk’s condition was dire. Its injuries were consistent with a collision, and it was found to be thin, dehydrated, and showing no pupillary response—signs of severe head trauma. The bird was unable to stand, hunched over with closed eyes and a bulging orbital area on the right side.
Wildlife rehabilitators immediately began the Bird Center’s traumatic brain injury protocol. This included hypertonic saline solution to rehydrate, dexamethasone to reduce neuroinflammation and control swelling, and midazolam for sedation and to ease brain activity. With careful treatment and gradual re-feeding to restore nutrients, the hawk slowly but steadily regained strength.
After weeks of dedicated care, the hawk made a full recovery and was ready to soar again. The release at Sunrise Cay Park was a moving experience for all in attendance. Hawk and Hunter Skinner, the sons of Yael Skinner, Senior Director of Human Resources and Community Relations at ORCA, had the honor of opening the crate and watching the majestic bird take flight once more.
This story is a testament to the vital role of community awareness, quick action, and skilled wildlife rehabilitation. Thanks to the efforts of Ocean Reef residents and the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, one of nature’s winged wonders has returned to the skies where it belongs.
About the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
The Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native and migratory wild birds that have been harmed or displaced; providing or locating a humane shelter for those birds that cannot be released; and educating the public on the importance of coexistence with all wild bird species.
They are proud members of the Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce and a recipient of grant funding from the Ocean Reef Conservation Association. To learn more about the great work they are doing, visit keepthemflying.org.
