Harry was a Red-tailed Hawk. He came to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in 1977 with a permanently injured wing. Though he had only limited ability to fly, he was adept at hopping from perch to perch in the cages of the Perkins Wildlife Center. He was a fixture on display and millions of visitors over the years enjoyed him sitting regally on a high perch in the Woods Garden. They learned about the ever adaptable Red-tailed Hawk and how it has become one of the most common and widely distributed raptor species in North America.Harry's career came to an end last week. He settled down for morning feeding and was found dead an hour later. A necropsy revealed he had sustained a heart attack with liver and kidney complications. He did not appear to suffer.
Harry's remarkable life spanned over three decades. He had been at the Museum for 31 years and he was an adult when accessioned in 1977. So he was at least 33 years old! Remember most Red-tailed hawks are lucky to live ten years in the wild. And remember only 25% reach their first birthday.
And finally remember Harry, one remarkable Red-tailed Hawk!
Harvey Webster
Director of Wildlife Resources
