Injured Sparrowhawk saved by RSPCA

Although the Branch as such was not involved this story on Thursday 1 March 2012 demonstrates the work that the National Society does.
Thanks to a good Samaritan and specialist treatment at an RSPCA wildlife centre an injured sparrowhawk is well on the road to recovery after being rescued from a road.

The bird of prey was found sitting close to a footpath at Wallbridge Close in Leek, Staffordshire on Sunday 12 February.  A compassionate member of the public could see something wasn’t right as the bird’s wing was at a strange angle and it was unable to fly.  He went towards the bird to pick it up but it ran half-heartedly down the road.  After a short chase the bird was picked up, taken home and placed in a cardboard box before a call was made to the charity.

RSPCA officer Daniel Cole collected the bird taking her to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire where the lethargic sparrowhawk was x-rayed.  Suffering from a displaced coracoid (fractured shoulder) she was put on cage rest and Metacam for pain relief.  Fast forward nearly three weeks and the adult bird has been growing stronger by the day. After being successfully flight tested indoors this week, she is now on the final stages of recovery at Stapeley in an outside aviary.

“It is great news that the sparrowhawk is now flying well and will soon be fit and strong enough to be released back to the wild” said Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley Grange. “We admitted 111 sparrowhawks during 2010 and 2011.  Although it is sadly not possible to return all to the wild, those that we can just need some veterinary support and time to recoup.  It is always fantastic to see such magnificent birds of prey returned to the wild, where they belong.

“As is so often the case the member of public who took the time to rescue this wild animal in distress is the hero of the day as without their helping hand this bird would have suffered and died in the wild. We are so grateful to the people who do stop and help injured wild animals as their actions mean the difference between life and death.”

If you spot an injured or trapped wild animal in distress you can call the RSPCA national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.

A note about Sparrowhawks

Sparrowhawks are small birds of prey. They're adapted for hunting birds in confined spaces like dense woodland, so gardens are ideal hunting grounds for them. Adult male sparrowhawks have bluish-grey back and wings and orangey-brown bars on their chest and belly. Females and young birds have brown back and wings, and brown bars underneath. Sparrowhawks have bright yellow or orangey eyes, long, yellow legs and long talons. Females are larger than males, as with most birds of prey.