Unintended Consequences
We all love that the lights and our many electronic devices come on at the flip of a switch, but perhaps we should consider the cost to birds of that convenience. Newer construction projects require power lines to be buried, but many of us live where power poles and lines run along every road. These lines can be retrofitted to prevent birds from being injured or killed, but it is expensive. We need to be willing to share the cost with the power provider if we want to prevent these types of injuries.
It is too late for the Red-tailed Hawk below. The hawk touched its right wing and left leg to electrical wires. He was not killed outright, but the damage to the right wrist and left leg was not repairable and he was humanely euthanized.
Young Swainson’s Hawks Being Released from a Hack Box
They will leave of their own accord and return to the top of the box for food until they have perfected their flying and hunting skills. They will have to learn quickly, however, because instinct will tell them they need to head for Argentina by the end of the month, where they will spend the winter.
Get vaccinated!
Oregon and Washington are experiencing a surge in corona virus cases. They best way to protect yourself from the virus is to get vaccinated. You will also be protecting those around you who are too young to receive the vaccine or who have underlying conditions that make them more vulnerable to the virus. Answers to your questions regarding the vaccine can be found at the CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Getting vaccinated will make you as happy as this young Cedar Waxwing is when he gets a blueberry!
