This March we had the privilege of observing Dr. Bill Ferrier (former director of the California Raptor Center) perform the unusual "imping" procedure on an injured red-tailed hawk that had been brought to us. It was also a wonderful teaching opportunity for 2 of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine's Companion Avian & Exotic Animal Service residents, who had the chance to imp a few feathers under Dr. Ferrier's supervision.

6 imped feathers later, this red-tailed hawk was released that very same day (after Operations Manager Bret Stedman checked its flying ability on a creance line).