What is the proper response after recovering a lost hawk?

• A. Notify the game warden
• B. Release immediately
• C. Check its wing length
• D. Hydrate, weigh, and examine it

Answer: (D)

After recovering a lost hawk, the priority is to stabilize its health by hydrating, weighing, and examining it. Hydration helps counteract stress and potential dehydration from capture and transport, supporting the bird’s immediate recovery. Weighing provides a concrete measure of its condition and helps detect weight loss or gain that signals poor health or inadequate nutrition. A careful examination checks for injuries to the wings, legs, or eyes, signs of illness or parasites, and assesses plumage, molt, and general responsiveness. Together, these steps determine whether the hawk can be released promptly or needs veterinary care or extended rehab, and they prevent assuming the bird is fine based on appearance alone. While wing length is useful for identification and flight capability, it doesn’t address overall health; a full health check is essential before any release decision.