Virginia hawk recovers after overeating chickens

A red-shouldered hawk found grounded near Roanoke, Virginia, was found to be healthy but unusually heavy after eating neighbourhood chickens. A wildlife centre is restricting her diet and exercising her, and expects she may be ready for release in a few weeks.

• The female red-shouldered hawk was found unable to fly in a driveway near Roanoke, Virginia. [07984717-4b1f-a1c8-7e710c91908e]· 1 source
• The wildlife centre ruled out injuries and other health problems; it reported her weight as 910 grams, above the usual range for her species.· 1 source
• Neighbours reported that free-roaming chickens had been disappearing, leading rescuers to conclude that the hawk had been feeding on them.· 2 sources
• The centre says the hawk is losing weight and gaining mobility with a restricted natural diet and exercise, and may be released in a few weeks.· 1 source
• The centre plans to alert nearby residents before release and ask them to keep their chickens enclosed for a time.· 1 source