This Phoenix Will Fly Again

A twin-engine plane crash occurred in the western suburbs of Chicago this past Saturday night. Unfortunately, both occupants of the plane perished in the crash. The plane had just taken off from a nearby airport when it went down, scattering debris that hit a home. No one was at the home when the crash happened so no one was injured. The only known injuries from the crash were sustained by a red tail hawk who has since been named Phoenix.

It is thought that Phoenix was roosting in a tree that became engulfed in flames at the time of the crash. Police noticed her as they were investigating the crash. Animal control was called and when they arrived they found Phoenix standing on one leg on a snow bank. She was immediately taken to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center where rehab specialist Dawn Keller couldn't positively identify Phoenix due to the severity of her burns.


This is all that's left of Phoenix's tail feathers. The accident left her with only her downy under feathers and the shafts of her tail feathers.

Dawn and her staff spent Saturday night and Sunday morning trying to stabilize Phoenix who sustained severe burns to her feet and face, especially around her eyes.

Phoenix's eyelids were badly burned but luckily her eyes were spared. Hawks have inner and outer eyelids that protect their eyes from damage in the wild. These eyelids probably saved her eyes and her life. Constant care is given to Phoenix's eyes as she is nursed back to health.

Phoenix's feet were so badly burned that they are wrapped up so they don't get infected. The bandages are changed every hour and also provide a bit of relief to Phoenix as she heals.

Phoenix truly looks like a fighter and a survivor to me. The people at Flint Creek are committed to caring for her until she is healed. It's too early to tell if Phoenix will be able to return to the wild. If she cannot go back to her home in the woods, she will live out her life as an animal ambassador at Flint Creek, teaching the public about her species.

I feel so bad for Phoenix. Mom tells me that burns are among the worst injuries you can have. I've told Mom to take some of my treat money and donate it to Flint Creek so they can continue to care for Phoenix and all the other 2,800 animals they take in every year. With three locations in the Chicago area, Flint Creek's most critical patients like Phoenix are treated round the clock at the Barrington location. Receiving no government funding, this non-profit is entirely dependent on private donations.

As sad as I am about Phoenix, I like to think there are some positives to come out of this tragedy. It may come as a surprise to some, but not everyone is aware that wild animals like hawks live in Chicagoland. Hawks are such a critical part of our ecosystem and most of us just take them for granted. The most important work they do, keeping rodent and bird populations in check, goes mostly unknown by the casual observer. Phoenix's story, seen on the news every night and read in the paper every day, will introduce these wonderful animals to school children and adults alike. It's my hope that once people see her story, they will be compelled to learn more about hawks via bird walks, nature centers, and books. Education is key to preserving this and all species.

Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will also benefit from this tragedy. I'm betting that most people don't think about wildlife hehab centers until an animal comes into their life needing help. Who do they call? Animal control is one resource and wildlife rehab centers are another. You guys know that Mom is a birder and she is on a birder listserv. She see emails every week from people asking where they can take an injured bird they've found and Dawn Keller is always the first to respond. Her staff will come out to any location to pick up injured animals. Their dedication to the wildlife of our area is unprecedented. People hear and see this dedication and it shows them that people really do care about the natural world and are willing to do whatever they can to preserve wildlife. Phoenix's story will open eyes up to wildlife rehab centers. It will hopefully inspire people to volunteer at or donate to these centers. And of course they can visit the centers and learn about the animals' plights.

Even though I can't visit Phoenix, I will continue to follow her story. Everyone can learn from her experience, even a pug.

Our local tv show Chicago Tonight did a segment on Phoenix and Dawn last night. I couldn't upload the video but here's the link: http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=42,8,80&player=Chicago-Tonight&pid=pQaqdrukWvefo6BdclfNewX8DldClqm.

All photos courtesy of Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation.