November 21

I had my back to Okie and I heard a loud thump. I looked to see her at the base of this tree flapping her wings as if she was mantling over something. I ran up to her and could see that she was on her hocks with nothing in her talons. I could also see that she was disoriented and had probably hit her head on one of the branches. So, I left her alone to collect herself. After she was able to stand, from the look in her eyes, I sensed that her vision was screwed up. And, sure enough, she began to panic and try to fly which she couldn't (thank gawd). So, I went over to her and started talking to her, hoping that my voice would give her some reassurance, as she, obviously, didn't know what was happening. Eventually, when I thought she was more aware, I offered her some food and she hopped to the fist as if nothing happened. I put her up and saw that she could fly okay, so off we went, with her continuing to hunt. These RT's are tough customers; but, I imagine all raptors are. They have had to be in order to evolve, and they have been evoving, in their present form, for eons, certainly longer than humans.