More Goo
A second fledgling Red-tailed Hawk coated in goo was admitted this past week. It is very likely a sibling to the hawk admitted last week. Both were found in the same park in Moxee, WA and both have similar levels of lead in their blood, 5.2 and 5.9 micrograms/deciliter.
We still have not identified the substance. It is not soluble in water. Mineral oil and Dawn Dish Soap were ineffective in removing it. Goo Gone and vinegar, tried separately, were somewhat effective in softening the residue so it could be scraped off individual feathers. At this point it is looking like a complete molt is going to be needed before the fledglings have normal feathers.
More Germs
We were finally able to look at the blood from the two fledgling Red-tailed Hawks with abnormal feathers. They both have a huge load of the blood parasite leukocytozoan. One also has the blood parasite haemoproteus. The other has very strange looking red blood cells
More Guns
A Great Blue Heron was the 20th bird this year to be documented as shot. A radiograph showed small metal fragments at the fracture site. If you look closely, you will also see differences in the wrist and elbow of the two wings. Time will tell if this bird will be releasable.
Why Did The Turtle Cross the Road?
Answer: To find a place to lay her eggs.
An injured Painted Turtle was found east of Ritzville. It had a cracked and broken shell from being hit by a car, and was unable to use its front right leg. A radiograph showed the turtle was expecting! At least I think all those round objects inside her are eggs - this is my very first turtle x-ray!
A Really Big Bird
An injured American White Pelican was found in the Yakima River near Prosser. It had lacerations in the patagium of both wings. How the injuries happened is a mystery. The wounds were cleaned and sutured. As soon as he was moved outside, the pelican ate two fish!
Osprey Recheck
The Osprey admitted on May 20 with a deep puncture wound on his right chest is doing well out in the large flight pen. The only problem is he always circles to the right when flying.
