Missing Goshawk Tyler, TX

[rocgwp]

My North American goshawk got loose while I was leashing him up to attach his transmitter. He went missing near Tyler, TX. He is wearing jesses and a bell on his anklet. If you see him or have any leads on him please call 903-780-3048.

[Breeze]

Jeff I'm considerably south of you at Sam Rayburn Lake, but will be on the lookout.

[Bird_Dog]

Any luck yet. You can post it on the THA website, too.

Scott

[rocgwp]

After being out for 6 days, I found Ruger this morning!

He was down to 580g and skin and bones, but it is good to have him back. He's eating small meals now and I'm hopeful that he'll make it.

[JRedig]

CONGRATS Jeff! So glad to hear that!

[Breeze]

EXCELLENT news!

[harrishawk_79]

Glad to read this congrats

[MrBill]

Good news, Jeff! Where was he and how did you find him? Thanks.

Bill Boni

[rocgwp]

He was only about 4 miles from where I lost him (but it was all heavily wooded pine forest). A man called a fellow falconer yesterday morning and said he was being buzzed by a hawk in his yard. The guy threw out some bird seed the bird came down, but wouldn't eat. He saw the equipment a knew it was somebody's bird. The falconer relayed the info to me. When I showed up a couple minutes later, Ruger was on the guy's house. The man waved at me and Ruger flew down and landed on his arm (he was wearing a big fleece). I stepped Ruger off, weighed and fed him.

[Bryant Tarr]

Great news, Jeff! So happy for you!

[MrBill]

Very good! All's well that ends well :-)

Bill Boni

[oneshot]

That's fantastic!!!! Hope it recovers... Keep us posted...

[Breeze]

Hey Jeff, how's Ruger doing? Putting on weight and coming along I hope!

[sharptail]

Great to read of a positive ending to any lost hawk story! Congratulations Jeff, I know that it has to be a huge relief.

[HGlider]

Tell us if he responds different now. I am curious to see if you think he learned anything from the experience. Staying tighter, flying higher weight, etc. I had lost a Gos once for about 5 days and when I got her back her feet were covered with porcupine quills. She let me pull them off with pliers while sitting on my fist not even casted. After that she was a puppy dog. I guess she learned that it's tough out there. Shame they don't learn that till after they get lost.

[rocgwp]

So far Ruger is looking good. He has put weight back on and responding well. I took him to the THA meet this past weekend and he did okay. First time out he led to a telemetry chase as he chased a bunch of small birds in some really thick woods. After that he improved each time he flew. It was his first time to see rabbits and he pulled fur on the last morning, but never sealed the deal.

There does seem to an attitude change in him. He is easier to handle and a little more mellow after being gone for 6 days...

[AdamS]

Maybe he figures hotel life isn't so bad afterall!

[Breeze]

Great news, Jeff! GO RUGER!!