Recovered red-tailed hawk returns to B.C. skies after release near Langley-Surrey border

Shauna Frankelson has not seen Alan since the red-tailed hawk she found injured near the Langley-Surrey border was released in late August.

Frankelson found the bird early in 2026 in Brookswood, soaked by rain and cowering beside a fence with an injured wing. She named him Alan, after Alan Alda’s Hawkeye character in MASH. She said seeing the hawk fly again after it had been a bedraggled bird with a broken wing crawling on the ground was remarkable.

After finding the hawk in January, Frankelson contacted OWL, which cares for sick and injured birds. A broken bone was protruding through the bird’s skin, and it was likely hit by a vehicle. OWL takes in about 55 animals from the Langley area each year; last year it admitted more than 670 animals from across B.C.

Frankelson checked on the hawk over several months before OWL called to say it was ready to return to the wild near where it had been found. She attended the release and opened the enclosure as it flew into nearby trees. Farmer Tyler Heppel, who was asked for permission to drive onto the release field, also attended. Frankelson said the return was emotional.

People who encounter wildlife that appears dangerous should call the Conservation Officer Service’s 24-hour Report All Poachers and Polluters hotline at 1-877-952-7277. For most sick, injured or dead wildlife, people should take photos or video for assessment, note the location and not handle the animal. It is illegal to possess live or dead wildlife in British Columbia without a permit; the Wildlife Rehabilitators’ Network of B.C. can help identify the appropriate organization by animal and region.