So much to be thankful for!
Thank You to all who have sent in membership renewals and year-end donations over the past few weeks. Your very generous support is allowing BMW to prepare for what will no doubt be another busy year of wildlife rehabilitation and educational outreach.
Special thanks to Alex Dees and the Dees Foundation for a $2,500 grant. The funds will be used for food and medical supplies, two of BMW's largest expenses.
First birds of 2015.
On January 1, volunteers Dan and Claudia checked on a bird that had gotten trapped in a garage in Kennewick, WA. It turned out to be a Robin. After an exam and test flight, they were able to release the bird near where it was found. The perfect way to start the new year!
Next came two Red-tailed Hawks. One died enroute to Pendleton from Benton City, WA. It appears to have been shot, but we will confirm with an x-ray before reporting to state and federal wildlife agencies.
The second hawk was from Wenatchee, WA. It had been treated for an eye injury by a veterinarian in Wenatchee. The eye appears to be doing fine, but the third eyelid does not seem able to retract all the way. This will no doubt require consultation with another veterinarian.
Avian Influenza
Both Oregon and Washington have activated their avian influenza response plans since the virus has been found in domestic and wild birds. In a press release the Oregon Department of Agriculture stated "There is no immediate public health concern due to the avian influenza virus detected in Oregon. H5N8 virus has been found in other parts of the world and has not caused any human infection to date. Avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain safe to eat. As always, both wild and domestic poultry should be properly cooked."
