Meet Sunshine the
Hawk Mother
Our story
Sunshine and I have been friends for over 20 years
Adopting Sunshine has transformed my life, and I am happy that I was able to enrich her life by helping her become a mother, twice!
Because of my degree in zoology and my experience working at the Cornell University Hawk Barn, I was able to qualify for the necessary permits to become Sunshine’s caretaker. I spent many hours training Sunshine, and together we have given hundreds of presentations in schools, parks and libraries, educating thousands of people about the importance of protecting birds in the wild.
Sunshine’s Books & Film
“My daughter and I checked out your incredible book today from the library. I can not put into words how your story of Sunshine touched me. I have always been fascinated with hawks, and watch a pair at our local park most days. I had no idea hawks could live up to thirty years in captivity! I hope you and Sunshine are still enjoying life together. Sunshine is a huge inspiration to me, and I am so grateful you are sharing her with the world. Thank you for what you do Kara.”
— Melissa C.
“In this moving true story, zoologist Hagedorn relates the story of her unusual encounter with a wild red-tailed hawk. Shot down but not killed, the injured raptor is brought to the wildlife center where the white author works….Hagedorn concludes by reminding readers that ‘we can all overcome challenges and adjust to new situations with the help of others!’ A well-told personal story with a positive environmental message.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“A tender story of cross-species relationships—most movingly, perhaps, the one between Sunshine and the author.”