Sad News First
The Bald Eaglefrom Moses Lake was successfully chelated with an oral medication, DMSA, lowereing his blood lead level from 22.3 micrograms/dl to 6 micrograms/dl. Unfortunately the damage in his left wing did not heal. Even though he had cage rest for three weeks (plus two days) the hairline fracture in his humerus fell apart. The resulting rotation in the bone revealed a fracture in the head of the humerus. In comparing the original x-rays with a new x-ray I realized I had missed a fracture in the ulna, very close to the elbow. Even if we could stabilize the spiral fracture, the eagle would never fly and would likely have painful arthritis in his left shoulder and left elbow. He was euthanized.
Red-tailed Hawk #10
Many volunteers were called to action this week. The combined efforts of Laurel, Dan and Claudia transported an injured Red-tailed Hawk (the 10th red-tail this year!) from Moxee, WA to McNary Wildlife Refuge in Burbank to meet Bob and I at the Winter Birds event. The hawk has fractured metacarpals in his right wing. X-rays will be scheduled at Pendleton Veterinary Clinic.
Hawk Release
We had a great time at McNary Wildlife Refuge. A young Red-tailed Hawk was released that had been found under a power line in Walla Walla on January 29. It was taken to Animal Clinic East in Walla Walla for an exam and then rode the Tribal Bus to Pendleton.
The hawk's feet were somewhat blackened and the talon on the halux of each foot was folded under the toe. There were no other obvious abnormalities. Electrocution was suspected.
After four days of fluid therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs, the hawk was suddenly able to place all his toes in a normal position. A couple more days inside to make sure he was able to eat whole food and he was ready to go outside to a flight pen - he flew perfectly!
Two photographers were on hand Saturday to record his release, Toni Faust and Tammy Wolf Slack. Both photographers caught the hawk's release and landing, for a brief second, on the nearby railing. I'm not sure who was more surprised, the hawk, the photographers or the audience. First Toni's photos -
Tammy's photos -
Then we went inside for two programs. The feather board that Toni created was a big hit.
Bee Buffet
On a sunny day after Christmas I noticed honey bees in my chicken coop. They seemed to be attracted to chicken scratch. I called BMW volunteer Tara, also a beekeeper, and asked her what the bees were doing. She said they were foraging for food. This time of year they should be snug in their hive, but for some reason they had not been able to store enough honey. She suggested spreading sugar on the ground near the chicken scratch. January was cold and foggy and I didn't see the bees.
Tara installed the most amazing Bee Buffet in the chicken coop and February's warm weather brought the bees back. They quickly found the food. Word seems to be spreading...
