UPDATE ON

SUSPICIOUS HAWK

DEATHS IN

BETHESDA

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Just a couple of bits of information to update you on the investigation into the deaths of two Cooper's hawks in Bethesda. As I reported yesterday, two hawks were found

dead by the public pool on Little Falls Parkway. There were no external injuries on either hawk.

Because the circumstances are suspicious, an investigation has begun. Test results are still pending, but I have two minor updates for you. First is that one of the hawks is now in the custody of the state of Maryland, for the aforementioned testing. They will be determining the cause of death, including the possibility of disease or poisoning.

Second, the hawks are now described as "juveniles." The experts will probably determine their exact age. For some perspective, the average lifespan of a Cooper's hawk is 12 years.

Here is a good video of a Cooper's hawk, if you haven't seen one before:

http://youtu.be/AnJ1GzraP1M