Fallen, Injured, Alone: How One LA County Baby Hawk Defied the Odds

The call came from La Verne: a fledgling red-tailed hawk had tumbled from its nest and was in need of rescue. 

Not yet able to fly, too young to survive on its own, and with an injured right leg that needed immediate attention, the eyas didn’t stand much of a chance. But thanks to caring neighbors who found the eyas and brought it to San Dimas Rescue Center, and the compassion and perseverance to give it a second chance, this story has a happy ending. It played out recently in the Eaton Canyon Natural Area, where the rehabilitated hawk soared back into the wild! 

“After months of care and rehab, this guy proved he was ready to be back out on his own,” said Noemi Navar, San Dimas Canyon Nature Center & Regional Park Superintendent – “With his injured leg healed, we’re thrilled he was ready to integrate into the wild and we found him a great location!” And it was the first in the area since the devastating Eaton wildfire earlier this year, making it all the more meaningful.

A Critical Resource for LA County Birds of Prey

Most Angelenos have no idea that Los Angeles County has its own raptor rescue center, and it's the only one in the entire county. Located at the San Dimas Canyon Nature Center, this facility stepped in to fill a crucial gap when the longtime nonprofit that had been caring for injured birds of prey closed its doors after nearly four decades of service.

The numbers tell the story of just how essential this work is: the rescue center expects to take in more than 300 birds this year alone. These include great horned owls with broken legs and wings from netting and fencing, hawks hit by cars or suffering from gunshot wounds, and falcons poisoned by pesticides. 

An injury to every single one of these majestic birds is tragic, but it’s also an opportunity. It represents a chance to rehabilitate, heal, and return these magnificent creatures to the skies.

What It Really Takes to Save a Hawk

Aside from their beauty, birds of prey are essential. They help control populations of rodents and rabbits, preventing overgrazing that can damage native vegetation. This is especially critical after wildfires, when prey species can explode in number due to reduced predator populations. 

Releasing rehabilitated hawks back into fire-affected areas like Eaton Canyon helps restore the natural balance that our ecosystems need to recover. But rehabilitation isn't cheap. Caring for raptors requires specialized facilities, trained staff, veterinary care, and significant resources for feeding and housing birds during their recovery, which can take weeks or even months. 

The center operates with minimal human contact to keep the birds wild, using camouflage suits when necessary and never naming the animals. Every bird that makes it back to the wild represents substantial investment and expertise.

Angelenos Caring for Angelenos

At First City Credit Union, supporting the San Dimas Raptor Rescue is a natural fit. Our roots run deep with Los Angeles County employees. We were founded nearly 90 years ago to serve county workers and their families. The San Dimas Raptor Rescue is ran by the Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation which manages one of the largest municipal park systems in the nation. Its mission is to provide quality recreational opportunities that promote health, wellness, and community engagement.

First City's commitment to Altadena, where our corporate office is located, makes this work even more personal. The community faced devastating losses in the Eaton wildfire, and watching that rehabilitated hawk return to Eaton Canyon felt symbolic of the resilience and renewal happening throughout the area.

As Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer of First City, Royce Ngiam, said about the release: "Hawks represent the enduring spirit of our LA County community and our 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." 

Here’s How You Can Help!

Supporting wildlife rescue is something you can participate in too! If you'd like to make a direct contribution to San Dimas Raptor Rescue, you can donate through the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation at lacpf.org. And you can read more about the San Dimas Raptor Rescue program here and choose what your donation is used for, including feeding a raptor for a week or a month, supporting a baby release, and participating in a release yourself.

And if you've been thinking about joining First City Credit Union, now through December 31 is a perfect time. When you join at a branch location, we'll make a donation to support both the San Dimas Raptor Rescue and the rebuilding of the Eaton Canyon Nature Center, which was lost to the fire. As a thank you, you'll receive a limited edition plush hawk or owl*, a small reminder of the real birds whose lives that you’re helping to save! Current members can participate too by referring someone who joins, and receive a hawk or owl too!  Learn more here!

Every contribution, whether financial or through membership, helps give these remarkable birds a second chance. Look up into the skies of Los Angeles County and you might just spot one of the success stories soaring overhead!