Cesar Gustavo Diaz: California man jailed after video shows him giving alcohol to a juvenile hawk
A man has been jailed after footage of him giving alcohol to a protected hawk surfaced online.
A California man has been jailed after video footage of him pouring alcohol into a hawk’s mouth has surfaced online.
In June 2025, Diaz, 25, captured a juvenile Cooper’s hawk — protected under federal and California law — at Amelia Mayberry Park, in California, and poured alcohol into it’s mouth.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife were notified after footage of the incident surfaced on YouTube.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Concerned members of the public alerted CDFW, prompting an investigation by the Special Operations Unit,” the CDFW said in a Facebook post.
Disturbing images show the hawk being fed what appears to be a green BuzzBallz cocktail — a popular mixed vodka drink.
Diaz was already in custody on unrelated charges, the CDFW said, and was later interviewed.
“With the assistance of detectives from LASD Operation Safe Streets, Diaz, a convicted felon who was already in custody on unrelated charges, was identified and later interviewed. Diaz allegedly released the hawk prior to CDFW intervening.”
Diaz was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty and capturing/confining wildlife.
He entered a no-contest plea to the animal cruelty charge on February 19.
“He was sentenced to 12 months of summary probation, 45 days in Los Angeles County Jail (with credit for time served), 20 days of community labor, completion of a 24-session animal cruelty counseling program, five-year prohibition on possessing animals, ten-year firearm prohibition and payment of $220 in fines and fees,” the CDFW said.
“CDFW reminds the public that capturing, harming or harassing wildlife is illegal and can result in criminal charges. Anyone with information about wildlife crimes is encouraged to report them to CalTIP at 888-334-2258 or via the CalTIP app.”
According to court records obtained by NBC News, Diaz served 44 of his 45 days ahead of sentencing, partly with the help of credit for good behaviour.
