Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Red-tailed Hawk

This Red-tailed Hawk was admitted in November after being struck by a vehicle.

Diagnostic imaging confirmed a fracture of the ulna, one of the two long bones of the wing.

In birds, the ulna and radius run parallel along the wing. When the ulna is fractured but the radius remains intact, the radius can serve as a stabilizing internal splint.

If the fracture is well aligned, this allows for conservative management rather than surgical repair.

In this case, treatment consisted of external bandaging, controlled physical therapy, and an extended rest period.

Follow-up evaluations confirmed appropriate bone healing and restoration of full flight capability.

After completing rehabilitation, this hawk was cleared for release.

The photos shown here were taken at the release site, where the bird demonstrated strong, sustained flight and normal wing extension.

Red-tailed Hawks are among the most widespread raptors in North America and are highly adaptable to a range of habitats, including forests, open fields, agricultural landscapes, and suburban areas.

Their diet is dominated by small mammals, particularly rodents, making them an important predator within local ecosystems.

Immature Red-tailed Hawks, like this individual, lack the red tail seen in adults and instead have a brown, banded tail and a distinctive belly band of dark streaking. The species is present year-round throughout much of its range, including Virginia.

2026 Winter Webinar: What’s “Native,” Really?

Wednesday, February 04, 2026 | 6:00 PM EST

Planting native plants is one of the best things you can do as an individual for our local wildlife. As many can attest to, there is much to learn, starting with learning what is “Native”.

This question will inevitably lead you towards a map. A map might show nativity through highlighted states, or dotted counties.

Sometimes colors and an associated legend make an appearance. Although simple, these range maps provide important and influential information for scientific researchers and gardeners alike.

Webinar Registration

Dr. Iara Lacher

Dr. Iara Lacher is the owner of Seven Bends Nursery LLC, a native plant nursery focusing on sustainable horticulture and ecosystem based landscaping. She is also the chair of BRWC’s Board of Directors!!

An advocate of native plants for twenty years, Dr. Lacher brings knowledge and experience that comes from degrees in Botany, Environmental Science and Management, and Ecology to Seven Bends Nursery and its customers.

She is established in conservation and planning circles in this region through her research at the Smithsonian Institute, where she worked to connect her science to policy in order to help achieve sustainability goals.

A product of these past experiences, Seven Bends Nursery is developing a reputation for quality plants, expert consultations, and community-oriented education.

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.