- An adult female red-shouldered hawk was rescued near Roanoke, Virginia, after becoming too fat to fly.
- Wildlife rescuers at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center examined the bird for injuries, but found her weight of over 910g was preventing flight.
- Typical red-shouldered hawks weigh between 450g and 680g, making this bird significantly heavier than average.
- It was revealed that the hawk had spent weeks feasting on a neighbour's free-ranging chickens before sleeping in nearby trees.
- The wildlife centre warned the public against feeding wildlife directly or indirectly, noting the bird was left extremely vulnerable while grounded.
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