Brave Raptor fascinates Fasulos; Neighbors speculate on location of feathered fledgling

This fledgling Red-tailed Hawk has been stirring things up near The Dalles Library at the corner of Court and Seventh Street Place in The Dalles during the past week. It is seen here on the roof of Tony and Sally Fasulo’s home at 218 E. Seventh Street Place. Photo by Octavio.

By Tom Peterson

Sally Fasulo with friend Noel Nightingale

Tony and Sally Fasulo had seen nothing like it before - not at this close of a distance, anyways. 

The couple woke on the morning of June 16 and came down the stairs of their home to see an odd creature outside their window. 

It was a bird of prey standing on the railing of their porch. 

And the couple’s movements seemed to do little to startle it. 

Rather, it just stood there on its talons looking at them through their living room window. 

And Tony and Sally did the same, a bit perplexed. 

When the bird persisted, the couple investigated and talked to a friend or two and found out that it was likely a fledgling hawk that had recently left the nest, sent on its journey for independence.

Tony said he was advised that he could put water out for the bird as well as some raw meat. Water was easy, but for the meat, he had to improvise. So he settled on a slice of salami.

He said he was able to walk out on the porch and set the food and water out while getting within four or five feet of the bird, and it did not leave. 

The bird drank the water but had no interest in the salami. 

The bird moved from rail to rail as Tony and Sally watched for a couple of hours but when they turned their backs for a few minutes, it was gone. 

Meanwhile, a house painter next door, Octavio,  took photos of the bird and sent them off to Dr. Jean Cypher of the Rowena Wildlife Clinic. She was able to identify that it was a fledgling Red-tailed Hawk. 

Jake Baker with The Dalles Polie Department / Animal Control then checked on the raptor and was able to locate it next to The Dalles Library. 

Here is the same hawk on a rock on the bluffs just to the east of The Dalles Library. Photo by Jake Baker.

Cyphers said the bird was exhibiting healthy, normal behavior. 

“Fledglings leave the nest and perch on or low to the ground for a few days while the parents continue to feed them and teach them to hunt,” she said in an email. 

Sally Fasulo said this afternoon, Sunday, June 25, that the bird had returned and was seen at her neighbor’s house on Friday, June 23. 

“There was a lot of chatter going on,” she said, noting neighbors are speculating about the exact location of where the nest is located.

Have you named the bird?

“Well, maybe Octavio. He got the picture,” she said laughing.

Cyphers said she was excited to see the bird doing well.

“It puts a smile on my face knowing downtown The Dalles is good habitat for these raptors,” she said.