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Graceon Buteo jamaicensis

Graceon is an adult male Red-tailed Hawk. Probably Indiana’s most common hawk, Red-tails typically soar over open fields in search of prey, preferring small rodents to larger mammals. Adult Red-tails are most easily identified by their rust colored tails and broad, rounded wings in flight. Graceon came to Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve in 2000. His wing was damaged beyond repair, so he’ll never be able to regain his freedom to fly. Since he would not survive in the wild, we have given him a permanent home at the Nature Center. He started his life at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve very fearful of people, hence was given a name which is short for Grounded Menace. However, his disposition and cooperation have since improved greatly. He is now a willing participant in our educational programs, and fills his days teaching others about raptors and all wildlife, and their importance in the balance of nature.