Red-tailed hawk travels 1,000 miles from Pennsylvania to Canada after two decades

In February 2025, news broke of an extraordinary occurrence involving a red-tailed hawk that had journeyed from Berlinsville, Pennsylvania, to Nova Scotia, Canada. The bird, which was banded in November 2004, was discovered injured and taken to a rehabilitation center called Hope for Wildlife in Seaforth, Nova Scotia. The Pennsylvania Game Commission learned about the hawk through social media, which played a crucial role in connecting the two locations. Typically, red-tailed hawks are known to be resident migrants, meaning they tend to stay within a specific area or migrate only short distances. However, the remarkable distance traveled by this hawk signifies a rare exception to their typical behavior. The findings are quite unique, given that the hawk is now over 21 years old if it was a juvenile when banded, much surpassing the average lifespan of a red-tailed hawk in the wild, which is approximately 12 years. The bird has sustained injuries, including a broken wing and muscle damage, and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at Hope for Wildlife. There, the team is hopeful for its recovery and return to the wild. Hope for Wildlife has expressed optimism about the hawk's prospects, suggesting it might eventually return to Pennsylvania, possibly carrying stories of its journey. The capture of this hawk and its subsequent treatment has sparked interest and discussions among wildlife enthusiasts and the general public. The Pennsylvania Game Commission commented on this fascinating event, emphasizing that while such a long-distance migration is not common for red-tailed hawks, it is not entirely unheard of. This case reflects the importance of wildlife rehabilitation efforts and the need for continued protection of migratory bird species, particularly in light of challenges they face in their natural habitats. Public awareness and engagement through social media can significantly aid in wildlife recovery efforts, as demonstrated by the attention generated around this hawk. Should the hawk successfully recover and return to the wild, it can serve as a symbol of resilience and the interconnectedness of wildlife across great distances.