First Hawk Release in California Wildfire Devastated Natural Area

First City Credit Union and Los Angeles County Departments Releasing Red Tailed Hawk in Eaton Canyon Natural Area on six-month anniversary of Eaton wildfire

First City Credit Union collaborated with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreations’ San Dimas Raptor Rescue and the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation to release a Red Tailed Hawk into the Eaton Canyon Natural Area – the first such release since the devastating Eaton wildfire in January of this year.

This eyas (a very young hawk that hasn’t learned to fly) tumbled from its nest in a pine tree in La Verne.  The nest was too high to reach and the hawk was too young to leave on the ground with its injured right leg.  Thankfully, caring hands brought it to San Dimas Raptor Rescue, where compassion and perseverance gave it a second chance. After weeks of healing and regaining its strength, the hawk was finally given the joyful green light to soar free once more.

“This hawk is ready to return to the wild,” said Noemi Navar, San Dimas Canyon Nature Center & Regional Park Superintendent. “After months of care and rehab, this guy proved he was ready to be back out on his own.  With his injured leg healed, we’re thrilled he was ready to integrate into the wild and we found him a great location!”

Hawks help control populations of small mammals like rodents and rabbits. After a wildfire, these prey species can rapidly increase due to new vegetation growth and fewer predators. Reintroducing hawks can help keep these populations in check and prevent overgrazing, which can hinder the recovery of native vegetation. And their beauty is inspiring.

“The Red Tailed Hawk’s powerful presence and majestic flight symbolize the strength and renewal of the Altadena community,” says Teresa Villegas, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Parks Foundation. “By releasing this magnificent bird back into this natural habitat, we honor the spirit of resilience that defines Altadena and its residents. Our foundation is proud to play a part in preserving and protecting the Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center for future generations.”

The destruction caused by the Eaton wildfire had a profound impact on the Altadena community and surrounding areas. First City’s corporate offices are in Altadena, and the credit union is eager to be part of its rejuvenation. With a long history of providing support to Los Angeles County employees and their families by stepping up for the well-being of its friends, feathered and otherwise, is a natural progression.

“We’re proud to partner with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreations and the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation in this meaningful endeavor by celebrating this hawk release on World Nature Conservation Day commemorating the six month anniversary since the fire,” says Royce Ngiam, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer of First City