ALTADENA, Calif.–– First City Credit Union collaborated with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreations’ San Dimas Raptor Rescue and the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation to release a redtailed hawk into the Eaton Canyon Natural Area – the first such release since the devastating Eaton wildfire in January.
“This eyas (a very young hawk that hasn’t learned to fly) tumbled from its nest in a pine tree in La Verne. The nest was too high to reach, and the hawk was too young to leave on the ground with its injured right leg,” the credit union said. “Thankfully, caring hands brought it to San Dimas Raptor Rescue, where compassion and perseverance gave it a second chance. After weeks of healing and regaining its strength, the hawk was finally given the joyful green light to soar free once more.”
‘Return to the Wild’
“This hawk is ready to return to the wild,” Noemi Navar, San Dimas Canyon Nature Center & Regional Park superintendent, said in a statement. “After months of care and rehab, this guy proved he was ready to be back out on his own. With his injured leg healed, we’re thrilled he was ready to integrate into the wild and we found him a great location.”
First City noted hawks help control populations of small mammals like rodents and rabbits, and further explained that after a wildfire these prey species can rapidly increase due to new vegetation growth and fewer predators. Reintroducing hawks can help keep these populations in check and prevent overgrazing, which can hinder the recovery of native vegetation, the credit union added.
Wildfires Cause Damage
First City further stated the destruction caused by the Eaton wildfire had a profound impact on the Altadena community and surrounding areas.
First City said it is eager to be part of its rejuvenation.
“With a long history of providing support to Los Angeles County employees and their families, stepping up for the well-being of its friends, feathered and otherwise, is a natural progression,” the credit union said.
‘Proud to Partner’
“We’re proud to partner with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreations and the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation in this meaningful endeavor by celebrating this hawk release on World Nature Conservation Day commemorating the six month anniversary since the fire,” SVP-Chief Marketing Officer Royce Ngiam said in a statement. “Hawks represent the enduring spirit of the community and the natural world, this small gesture represents First City’s unwavering commitment to Altadena and to the broader Los Angeles County – we’re truly Angelenos serving Angelenos – look up into the skies of Altadena and you might be in for a treat.”
Help for More Than 300 Birds
The credit union added that this year alone, the San Dimas Raptor Rescue is expected to receive over 300 birds in need of help.
“Caring for and feeding raptors like the Red Tailed Hawk requires significant resources and dedicated habitats which contribute to the high costs of their rehabilitation,” it explained.
