The hawk is well known among golfers at Legacy Ridge in Westminster.
"My Hawk" is the bird's nickname. A bronze statue to the bird was built near the driving range a couple of years ago.
He hunted for prey along the 14th and 16th holes.
Westminster resident Herb Atchison lives near the golf course and was very familiar with the big raptor.
"He typically roosts on top of our home when he's hunting," said Atchison. "I found him in the backyard while I was out doing some yard work. When I got close to him I saw that he was injured so I tried to find someone to help catch the bird."
Atchison and Westminster Animal Control Officer Bryan Harmon teamed up to corral the injured hawk. Using Velcro gloves they were able to catch him and get him safely transferred to a cage.
Harmon said he first thought the bird had been hit by a car on a nearby roadway.
"When I initially saw the bird, his wing was twisted around until it was upside down. It wasn't until four or five days later that I found out the bird was possibly hit by a golf ball," Harmon said.
Harmon took the hawk to the Birds of Prey Center. Veterinarian Dr. Lee Eggleston from Colorado Springs was able to pin the bird's wing during a lengthy surgery.
While My Hawk is recovering, Birds of Prey Center Director Sigrid Ueblacker says he's not yet ready to be released.
"He's doing well, but he needs more time. He flies, but he still doesn't pull up his legs when he lands. So he's still insecure and needs to exercise more," said Ueblacker.
In the meantime, My Hawk's mate is apparently still waiting for him to return to the skies over the golf course. Atchison says he's seen other male red tailed hawks near My Hawk's old nest. The female hawk still hasn't paired up with another bird.
