After losing their red-tail, what should the apprentice do?

When an apprentice loses their red-tail hawk, the most appropriate action is to go home and report the loss to their sponsor and the local wildlife authority. Reporting the loss is critical for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the sponsor, who serves as a mentor, can provide guidance on the next steps to take and offer support during this challenging time. They may have insights into tracking or locating the hawk or preparing for the replacement process.

Moreover, informing local wildlife agencies is essential for legal and ethical reasons. These authorities can assist in the search for the lost hawk and ensure that all necessary protocols are followed concerning rescued or wild birds. They may also have advice on how to handle the situation correctly to comply with California wildlife laws, as well as minimize any potential risks to the hawk or public safety.

In contrast, going home and giving up would not address the important responsibility of caring for the lost hawk or seeking help. Planning to replace the hawk without first attempting to locate the original bird ignores the potential for recovery. Lastly, not telling anyone and returning the next day to attempt to find the hawk is unadvisable, as it misses the opportunity for collaboration and support and could ultimately leave the lost bird in danger without