Cesar Gustavo Diaz: California man jailed after video shows him giving alcohol to a juvenile hawk

A California man has been jailed after video footage of him pouring alcohol into the mouth of a hawk surfaced online.

In June 2025, Diaz, 25, captured a juvenile Cooper’s hawk, which is protected under federal and California law, in Amelia Mayberry Park, California, and poured alcohol into its mouth.

After footage of the incident appeared on YouTube, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife was informed.

“Concerned members of the public alerted CDFW, leading to an investigation by the Special Operations Unit,” CDFW said in a Facebook post.

Disturbing footage shows 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 and was later interviewed, CDFW said.

“With the assistance of detectives from LASD Operation Safe Streets, Diaz, a convicted felon currently in custody on unrelated charges, was identified and later interviewed. Diaz allegedly released the hawk prior to CDFW’s intervention.”

Diaz was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty and capture/imprisonment of wildlife.

He pleaded no contest to the animal cruelty charge on Feb. 19.

“He was sentenced to 12 months probation, 45 days in the Los Angeles County Jail (with credit for time served), 20 days community work, completion of a 24-session animal cruelty counseling program, five-year animal possession ban, ten-year firearms ban, and payment of $220 in fines and fees,” CDFW said.

“CDFW reminds the public that capturing, harming, or harassing wildlife is illegal and may result in criminal charges. Anyone with information about wildlife crimes is encouraged to report them to CalTIP at 888-334-2258 or through the CalTIP app.”

According to court records obtained NBC NewsDiaz served 44 of the 45 days before sentencing, helped in part by a recognition of good behavior.