HawkWatch International Recaptures Stax the Hawk
A 14-year-old Harris's hawk is safely back home after spending 99 days at the Salt Lake Country Club.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Bird Watching
HawkWatch International successfully recovered Stax, a 14-year-old Harris's hawk, on October 6 following a 99-day escape. The bird had been missing since June 29 after a handling incident.
Why it matters
Because Harris's hawks are not native to Utah, the bird faced significant risks and was unable to survive the approaching winter on his own. Recovering him was essential to ensuring the safety of the non-native animal.
Stax is a 14-year-old bird who spent 99 days at the Salt Lake Country Club. The capture was secured using a combination of food traps and trail cameras.
The players
HawkWatch International
This conservation organization is dedicated to protecting birds of prey through scientific research and public education.
Stax
Stax is a 14-year-old Harris's hawk that serves as a non-native ambassador bird for educational programs.
The details
Staff from HawkWatch International tracked the bird for months after confirming his location at the Salt Lake Country Club in July. He was finally secured after walking into a food trap set by the recovery team.
Timeline
June 29: Stax the hawk escaped from HawkWatch International.
July: HawkWatch confirmed the hawk was at the country club.
October 6: Stax was recaptured by HawkWatch International.
Culture Shift
This incident mirrors the trend of urban areas becoming temporary habitats for displaced raptors, much like the 2021 recovery of a runaway owl from the Central Park Zoo. Such recoveries highlight the intersection of human-dominated landscapes and wildlife conservation efforts.
Residents of Salt Lake City near the country club no longer need to be on the lookout for the non-native hawk. The return of the bird ensures he will no longer be scavenging for food in the local neighborhood.
The takeaway
Wildlife organizations often rely on patient tracking and environmental monitoring to recover escaped animals. Residents who encounter birds of prey that appear handled or tagged should contact local experts rather than approaching them.
Further reading
For more information on local avian conservation efforts, visit the Bird Watching section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KUTV.
