Collaborative Rescue Saves Hawk "Firmly Wedged" in Hastings Car Grille

A hawk survived a high-speed collision in Hastings after being wedged in a car grille. See how a team of vets and mechanics saved the bird.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 4:49 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A High-Speed Collision

The incident occurred last week when a driver out on a test drive accidentally struck the hawk. The force of the impact sent the bird straight through the plastic front grille, leaving it spreadeagle and wedged against the hot radiator. Miraculously, despite being "jammed tight," the bird remained alive, prompting the shaken driver to seek immediate help at VetsOne Hastings.

The Specialized Rescue Operation

VetsOne nurse Nadine Hook described the extraction as a delicate process. Because the hawk was stressed and potentially dangerous, the veterinary team administered light sedation. This allowed them to carefully fold the bird's outstretched wings through the narrow gaps in the grille to prevent further self-injury.

However, once the wings were tucked in, the team realized the bird was still physically blocked by the car’s internal panels. With both upper and lower access points to the engine bay sealed, the rescue moved to a nearby mechanics' workshop.

Mechanics Join the Mission