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    Bridging the gap for wildlife: Marsan releases rescued raptor

    Bridging the gap: Marsan releases rescued raptor

    Photo By Tech. Sgt. Kayla White | Staff Sgt. Rachel E. Marsan, an aerospace ground equipment mechanic assigned to the...... read more read more

    NEWINGTON, NH, UNITED STATES

    09.13.2018

    Story by Staff Sgt. Kayla White 

    157th Air Refueling Wing

    On August 21, 2018, Staff Sgt. Rachel E. Marsan, assigned to the 157th Maintenance Group, had the opportunity to release the red-tailed hawk she had rescued approximately two months before.

    The aerospace ground equipment mechanic found the bird with its head stuck between the railings of a B-7 work stand on base and quickly took it upon herself to help it.

    She removed the bird and held it wrapped in a gortex jacket until making contact with Jane Kelly, a bird of prey educator and rehabilitator at a local organization called On the Wing.

    “When I found the bird, I didn’t think it was going to live,” said Marsan, shrugging her shoulders and slowly shaking her head. “It did not move or make a sound during transportation to the rescue facility.”

    The hawk suffered from dehydration, stress, injuries to its neck where it had been caught in the work stand, and needed observation for potential neurological issues.

    Marsan kept in contact with Kelly throughout the hawk’s rehabilitation.
    “She was genuinely concerned,” said Kelly. “She was very careful yet in control of the bird. I felt the bird was in good hands with her. She would check in for weekly updates, enthusiastically waiting for the return of the bird.”

    The day finally arrived for the hawk to return to the wild. Marsan braced herself to bring a close to this unique chapter of her life.

    “We went to a protected area on Burley Farm in Epping,” said Marsan. “There was this huge field of goldenrods and purple wildflowers.”

    Kelly said she surprised Marsan with the opportunity to release the hawk herself.

    Marsan described the turnaround she saw in the hawk’s appearance since the initial rescue.

    “It looked so healthy while I was holding it,” she said, smiling with pride. “Jane Kelly specifically said that this hawk was a survivor with a strong will to live.”

    In collaboration with Kelly as well as members of the New Hampshire Fish and Game department, Marsan helped to release a total of four rehabilitated hawks.

    “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Marsan, excitedly. “I’ve always loved wildlife. To be able to help it survive and to be able to witness such a positive outcome has been simply inspiring. I’m so thankful.”

    Marsan, who aspires to eventually be a wildlife rehabilitator herself, plans to volunteer with Kelly at On the Wing.

    “I felt that from the day she dropped off the bird that she’d be a great fit,” said Kelly. “My sense was that she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, working or being around powerful predators. Rachel is one in a million, bridging the gap for wildlife.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.13.2018
    Date Posted: 09.13.2018 12:53
    Story ID: 292647
    Location: NEWINGTON, NH, US

    Web Views: 122
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN