10/20/2026
On November 1, Georgia ‘falls back’ an hour to standard time. We know it’s coming. We adjust our clocks, schedules, and routines. Wildlife is uninformed.
Birds of prey are especially vulnerable to this change. Hawks and other raptors hunt around dawn and dusk, and after the time change, dusk arrives during Georgia’s evening commuter rush hour. That means they are hunting near roads at exactly the time more cars are traveling.
Raptors perch along roadsides and medians, watching for prey. Add fading light and busy traffic, and the risk of a collision goes up.
When you're driving around dawn and dusk:
- Keep an eye on road shoulders, medians, and roadside trees.
- Never throw food out your car window. It attracts animals to the road, which can also attract the raptors hunting them.
If you hit a bird of prey, don’t assume it’s dead. It may be stunned or unconscious. If it’s safe to do so, contain the bird in a well-ventilated box and get it to a licensed rehabber or vet ASAP. Don’t offer food or water and do not handle more than necessary. Raptors are easily stressed and may be in shock or have a concussion.
They do not want to snuggle, and they’ll let you know that pretty quickly when they come around. Please do not "place them in your floorboard” as a form of containment. If that bird wakes up, people are going to wonder why feathers are flying inside your car. Ask me how I know. 😅
Thank you for helping us help wildlife. ❤️
📸 by GWN
