This image is a side-by-side comparison of the wings of two Red-tailed Hawks before and after recovery, shown in a four-panel grid. Top and bottom left (BEFORE): The hawk’s wings are visibly damaged and incomplete, with many of the flight feathers missing or broken. The feathers appear patchy, uneven, and frayed, leaving large gaps along the wing edges. The hawk is being gently held by gloved hands for examination. The bottom left hawk is wearing a 'hood' over its head. Top right (AFTER): The hawk’s wings are shown fully feathered and restored, with strong, smooth, and symmetrical flight feathers. The wings now appear full and healthy, ready for flight. Again, the bird is being held carefully for display. Bottom right (AFTER): The hawk's wings show significant feather growth, with only a small section on the wing missing some feathers. The bird is being held carefully, with it's wing out. The word "BEFORE" is overlaid on the two left panels, and "AFTER" is overlaid on the two right panels in bold white text. The lower right corner also features the Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre logo.
Two #RedtailedHawks came to #Salthaven with wing injuries. With help from our vet partners, they healed through therapy and time. #Flightfeathers had to regrow before release. B&A photos of their transformation. Recovery takes teamwork, patience, and understanding what makes flight possible.
