Jan Meis and Suzie Kingery like to take walks together outside the Black Hills Energy office in Council Bluffs. Most days, these walks are uneventful, but on Monday, Oct. 7, they were surprised to see a Cooper’s hawk in the road. Several vehicles passed by before they had the opportunity to help.

Suzie removed her coat and used it to guide the hawk into the nearby grass. As it moved, the pair noticed that it was holding its leg up, as though it was injured. Once the raptor was safe in the grass, the two set to work finding out who they could call for help.

Suzie contacted the Raptor Conservation Alliance while another coworker, Rebecca Martin, reached out to Iowa Bird Rehabilitation. Meanwhile additional Black Hills Energy team members joined in to help secure the Cooper’s hawk until help could arrive.

Using a box and a blanket, the group worked together to safely get the hawk contained. After a few unsuccessful attempts, it was gently contained in the box, awaiting a rescue volunteer from the Raptor Conservation Alliance.

After retrieving the hawk, volunteers assessed its condition. Fortunately, it appeared the hawk had sustained no major injuries — it may have simply been stunned by a possible collision with a vehicle — and the Cooper’s hawk was soon released back into the general area where he was found.

Great job to everyone involved in Council Bluffs for using teamwork to help an avian neighbor in a time of need.