Hawk Saved by Transient Dies of Illness

A red-tailed hawk that was saved earlier this week from being eaten by two transients died Thursday.

The bird had a bad respiratory infection and an abscess on her lung, said Martine Colette, director of the Wildlife Waystation in Little Tujunga Canyon in the Angeles National Forest, which was trying to nurse the hawk back to health. The bird’s liver and kidney were also infected, Colette said.

“I’m so sorry,” Colette said of the bird’s death.

The bird, which was at least 2 years old, came to public attention earlier in the week when she nearly became dinner for two transients. The bird was saved by a third transient, who traded food for the hawk. Police believe the rescue occurred on San Fernando Road in Pacoima.

The transient then wandered into the Los Angeles Police Department’s Foothill Division early Wednesday and turned over the bird. Police put the hawk in a holding cell until animal control officers gave it to the Wildlife Waystation, a nonprofit organization that provides medical treatment to wild animals.

Veterinarians there tended to the emaciated hawk, feeding it a special high-protein paste to increase its strength. They also administered antibiotics to try to control the infection.

It is against California law to capture, possess or kill birds of prey.