What should you do if your Red-tailed Hawk bends some feathers while hunting?

When a Red-tailed Hawk bends some feathers while hunting, the best course of action is to seek advice from an experienced sponsor. This option is crucial because a sponsor, who is usually an experienced falconer, can provide tailored guidance based on their knowledge of hawk care and feather issues. They can assess the situation and advise on whether the feathers can recover through natural molting, if they need trimming, or if there are other considerations specific to the hawk or the circumstances of the hunt.

Bending feathers can occur during vigorous flight or hunting activities and may not always require immediate intervention. Therefore, getting experienced input is essential before making decisions that could affect the hawk's health and performance.