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Injured red-tailed hawk spreads his wings at Oak Point Park, Plano

Red-tailed hawks are the most commonly seen birds of prey in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. But that doesn’t make them any less precious and while they are very well adapted to urban living they still do get injured.
Red-tailed hawk released oak point park plano

Red-tailed hawks are the most commonly seen birds of prey in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. But that doesn’t make them any less precious and while they are very well adapted to urban living they still do get injured.

Fortunately here in Plano our community believes all lives are precious, and so when a juvenile red-tailed hawk was found injured on the side of North Central Expressway, he was rescued and taken to the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center for treatment and rehabilitation.

Erich Neupert, Executive Director Blackland Prairie Raptor Center
Erich Neupert, Executive Director at the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center made the release

Dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey and wildlife in their natural habitat, the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center in Lucas nursed the bird back to health for more than a month, before deeming it fit to return to the wild.

The center which has been open since 2004 then worked with the City of Plano to find the perfect place for his release. With lots of open land, and trees as well as easy access to water and food (rabbits, snakes, mice), Oak Point Park in Plano is a perfect spot for a wildlife release.

The release took place on Wednesday, August 31, and saw Erich Neupert, Executive Director of the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center release the Red-tailed hawk himself.

“Events like this say a lot about the community here in Plano, living up to it’s slogan as the City of Excellence, in that the citizens know how important wildlife restoration and preservation is for future generations and they are willing and excited to support groups such as the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center and the city parks program to make that possible.” Said Kym Hughes, Plano Parks Natural Resource Superintendent.

The Blackland Prairie Raptor Center (1625 Brockdale Park Road. Brockdale Park) is open to the public only on the first Saturday of every month and on that day welcomes visitors of all ages for a day of outdoor fun and education about raptors! Click here to find out more.

Photography by Stephanie Tann. Click here to visit her Facebook page.