QUINCY – A hawk that was found injured in a yard in rural Quincy has recovered and been released back into the wild thanks to the efforts of Shawna Kluge, President of Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry.  

The chain of events began Aug. 9 when a concerned social media follower reached out to Kluge, reporting that a hawk had fallen in their yard and was not flying.  

"Originally, I missed the message because it went to my personal profile," Kluge said.  

Upon discovering the message early Monday morning, she wasted no time.  

“I made arrangements to go pick up the hawk and coordinated with Pioneer Vet Clinic," she said. 

After transporting the bird to Pioneer Vet Clinic in Moses Lake, Kluge learned that the hawk would be evaluated the following day. Extensive examinations revealed no broken bones, and staff suspected the hawk had merely been stunned, Kluge said.  

“After monitoring him, his appetite and alertness improved, leading to his release on Friday,” she said. 

The successful outcome was particularly meaningful to Kluge, who had faced difficult decisions with previous rescues, she said.  

“My last three birds of prey all had to be euthanized,” she said. “This success was really needed after experiencing such heartache.” 

On the day of the hawk's release, Kluge took a moment to connect emotionally with the bird. She wanted to make sure the bird knew it was loved and cared for. 

"I prayed over the hawk before opening the cage," she said. “I think everything happens for a reason, even if we don't understand it.”  

As the door was opened, the hawk hopped out of the cage, took a couple of steps, and then took flight. 

"That moment was incredibly moving,” she said. 

Kluge had shed a couple of tears watching the raptor fly off.  

“I am so grateful that he is back where he is supposed to be,” Kluge said. “I was very happy with the outcome. It was awesome.”  

Kluge emphasized the importance of wildlife rescues at a time when resources are increasingly limited.  

“Our fish and wildlife officers are being cut, and there’s not enough support in this county,” Kluge said. 

She encouraged community members not to shy away from seeking help for wildlife.  

“Don’t be afraid to reach out — getting that animal the help it needs is crucial,” she said. 

The hawk’s successful release serves as a reminder of the impact individuals can make in wildlife conservation, Kluge said.  

“In a world of funding cuts, it’s essential to work together and ensure these animals receive the care they deserve,” she said. 

    A hawk waits in a crate to be driven back to rural Quincy to be released. Rehabilitating wild birds comes with its challenges, especially when the winged patient is a predator.
  

    The hawk flies away after being released.