SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Odysseus, one of the oldest-recorded Swainson’s hawks under human care, passed away today. The hawk, often called “Odie,” was one of Tracy Aviary’s ambassador birds.
As an ambassador bird, Odie represented his species and came face-to-face with members of the community. He would participate in bird shows and help educate the public about the Swainson’s hawk, as well as conservation and migration of his species and other raptors.
In the wild, Swainson’s hawks have a life expectancy of roughly 20 years, according to Tracy Aviary. At an estimated 33 years old, Odie was one of the oldest-recorded hawks of his species under human care.
“His long life is a testimony to the care he received under the bird care team,” Tracy Aviary said in a statement…