The Week in Review
The 50th bird of the year was admitted this past week, more than double the number of birds admitted during the same period in 2021. Hopefully this trend will not continue for much longer. As is often the case this time of year, most of the birds had injuries that were not repairable. The exceptions include a Western Screech Owl that was released. A Bald Eagle who will be released on Monday and another Western Screech Owl and a Red-tailed Hawk who are recovering from injuries.
Bald Eagle 22-042
The young eagle (hence no white head) was found coated in mud from a settling pond near Wallula, WA. The material had dried dried on her feathers making it impossible for her to fly.
Samantha, Virginia and I spent a good hour bathing the eagle, (while she was anesthetized), getting most of the mud off her feathers. After a couple days in a hospital cage to dry, she was moved outside where she has taken multiple baths on her own. She will be released at McNary Wildlife Refuge, not far from where she was found, on Monday.
Valley Giving Guide Results
The holiday giving guide was a smashing success! Nearly $3 million dollars was raised to benefit 131 local nonprofits, including Blue Mountain Wildlife. This week a $29,476 check arrived in the mail. These funds will help BMW further our mission of helping native wildlife in 2022. A heart-felt Thank You to all who gave so generously. Together we will meet the challenges of this year.
Rough-Legged Hawk 22-007 Flies Free
The hawk was hit by a truck in Pasco, getting stuck in the grill and riding clear across town to Richland before the driver realized he was alive! Amazingly his injuries were minor and he was released this week.
American Kestrel 22-034 Also Flies Free
