With several recent incidents involving birds, cats and dogs allegedly being shot with air rifles or poisoned still fresh in people’s minds, many believed the protected bird of prey could be the latest victim.

Discovery sparked something very few expected

From Middelburg to Dullstroom, residents, bird experts, conservationists and veterinarians joined forces to uncover the truth behind the bird’s death.

According to DA councillor Elsie Vermooten, the concern was understandable.

“With all the recent incidents of animals being injured and killed, people were deeply upset. What amazed me, however, was how quickly residents and experts came together to find answers,” she said.

One clue immediately stood out

The African harrier-hawk was fitted with a SAFRING metal ring on its leg.

The Dullstroom Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Centre was contacted, and Lelani Vermaak confirmed that a volunteer travelled to Middelburg to collect the bird.

There were initial concerns that the raptor had been shot, poisoned or was one of the centre’s previously rehabilitated birds.

The bird was taken to Middelburg Animal Hospital, where veterinarians carried out X-rays and a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death and rule out any human involvement.

X-rays revealed an old wing injury

Further investigation showed the hawk had been treated and fitted with its identification ring by the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in 2022.

Dr Soné Pretorius of Middelburg Animal Hospital even recognised the bird, recalling that it had also been treated there several years ago.

Because rehabilitated birds of prey are usually released close to where they were originally found, it also explained why the hawk had continued to live in the Middelburg area.

Post-mortem examination finally solved the mystery

To the relief of everyone involved, veterinarians found no evidence of gunshot wounds, poisoning or any other human-related cause of death.

As no other cause could be established, it was concluded that the hawk had died of old age. The bird was estimated to be about six years old, considered an advanced age for a wild bird of prey.

For residents, the greatest surprise was not how the bird had died, but how quickly the community had come together to find answers.

What first appeared to be another heart-breaking case of animal cruelty ultimately told a very different story.

One bird brought together residents, bird lovers, conservationists and veterinarians, all determined to make sure the truth was known.

Although its death saddened many, it also served as a reminder of the remarkable birdlife that still thrives in the area and of a community that cares enough to protect it.

After years of surviving in the wild, the African harrier-hawk took its final flight over Middelburg.

To find out more on Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre and the work that they do visit their website or contact them on 082 899 4108 or info@wildlifesos.co.za.