Dead Birds Flying — and the Science of Second Chances with Dr Christian Hagen

 What happens when an injured hawk, eagle, falcon, or owl beats the odds, survives rehabilitation, and is released back into the wild? Do they truly make it? Do they matter?

In this episode of Talons of Hope, host Munir Virani talks with Dr. Christian Hagen — Senior Research Scientist and Associate Professor at Oregon State University — about a groundbreaking study that combed through decades of data on more than two million raptors. The results challenge long-held skepticism and reveal that rehabilitated raptors, especially long-lived species, can play a real role in offsetting human-caused losses.

From power lines to wind farms, the threats are daunting — but this conversation explores how science, policy, and even ancient falconry traditions can unite to give birds of prey a second shot at life. It’s a story of resilience, redemption, and hope on the wing.