ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — A rehabilitated Red-tailed Hawk is ready to take flight on Friday, thanks to help from the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke!

The wildlife center says this hawk was found as sitting by someone’s front door as an abandoned, orphaned juvenile.

After being rehydrated, gaining strength, and “passing mouse school” — which, according to the wildlife center, demonstrates the bird’s ability to hunt — this magnificent bird will be released in Fishburn Park at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the event.

“It’s amazing how well animals can recover if just given the chance!” Chester Leonard with the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke said.

Here are some other fun facts from the wildlife center about Red-tailed Hawks:

• These hawks are one of the largest birds in North America, with adults able to weigh up to three pounds and have a wingspan up to 4.8 feet.
• They can be found from northern Canada and Alaska all the way down to Panama.
• Red-tailed Hawks can live up to 20 years in the wild and can dive at speeds up to 120 mph.