When Bernie arrived at our facility two weeks ago, his condition was dire. He had been severely burned by a methane flare near the state landfill—a common hazard for birds in that area. His feathers were completely stripped and burned, rendering him unable to fly. When found, he was dehydrated, emaciated, and struggling to survive.

In just the two weeks that he has been with us, he has stabilized, and is doing beautifully. Every day, he grows stronger and continues to gain weight. Tri-weekly physical therapy means that his pectoral muscles will stay strong, and that his joints won’t freeze from lack of movement. But what happens next? How will he fly again?

Adult hawks moult (grow new feathers) during late summer, but it’s a slow process—just a few feathers at a time. Every single feather on this brave bird’s body is damaged, and it will take over 8 months for him to grow them all back. Only after a full moult, will he be able to fly again, and will need additional time in our flight enclosure to help him strengthen his muscles and prepare for release.