HawkWatch International Recovers Escaped Harris's Hawk

A missing hawk named Stax has returned home after spending nearly 100 days living at the Salt Lake Country Club.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Bird Watching

Gouache-painted illustration of a hawk perched on a falconry glove against a hazy mountain backdrop, evoking the safe recovery of the bird. — Handlers successfully recovered Stax, a Harris's hawk, after the raptor spent nearly 100 days roaming the Salt Lake Country Club grounds. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

HawkWatch International has successfully recovered Stax, a Harris's hawk that escaped his Sugar House home in June. The bird was safely returned following a week-long veterinary quarantine.

Why it matters

Handlers were deeply concerned about the bird's survival because Harris's hawks are not native to Utah and do not possess the natural instincts to migrate before winter. The recovery ensures the safety of the raptor, who previously sustained injuries during his falconry career.

Stax remained in the wild for nearly 100 days before being recovered on Oct. 6. Following his rescue, the hawk underwent a mandatory one-week quarantine period to monitor his health.

The players

HawkWatch International

This Salt Lake City-based organization focuses on raptor conservation through scientific research, education, and habitat protection.

Utah Falconry Association

This association serves as the governing body for falconry in the state and provides expertise on the care and management of birds of prey.

Salt Lake Country Club

This private club in Salt Lake City maintains expansive grounds that provided a temporary habitat for the hawk during his time away.

The details

HawkWatch International coordinated with the Utah Falconry Association to create a specialized capture plan. Staff at the Salt Lake Country Club assisted by providing consistent access to the grounds and tracking the bird's movements until he could be safely retrieved.

Stax escaped from his Sugar House home in June 2026.
The recovery of the hawk occurred on October 6, 2026.

Culture Shift

The rescue highlights a broader societal shift toward urban wildlife management and the conservation of non-native raptors in city environments. This aligns with the principles established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service's non-native species management guidelines.

Residents of the Salt Lake Country Club area may notice fewer sightings of the raptor as he returns to his home in Sugar House. Pet owners are encouraged to ensure their enclosures are secure to prevent similar escape incidents in the future.

The takeaway

Responsible handling of non-native species requires constant vigilance, especially when the animals are prone to wandering or escaping. Owners should conduct regular maintenance checks on all enclosures to ensure the ongoing safety of their animals.