The Week in Review
Baby Season has officially started with the admission of a nestling Horned Lark this past week. In addition there were three Red-tailed Hawks, a Mourning Dove, a Golden Crowned Kinglet and a Scrub Jay. Last Sunday, after the newsletter was published, an immature Bald Eagle was admitted that appears to have been electrocuted.
Bald Eagle 22-087
The eagle has wounds on its left leg and right wing that are consistent with electrocution. It will be a couple more weeks before we know the full extent of the damage. It could take additional months to know if the eagle will be able to fly again.
Horned Lark Nestling 22-088
Horned Larks nest on the ground. This youngster was found east of Pendleton on March 28, when the photos at the top of the newsletter and below were taken. The next photo was taken 6 days later. The Lark is already using his splinted broken right leg as if it was fully healed. The man who found the Lark accidentally stepped on it because it was so well camouflaged he didn’t see it until it was too late. Fortunately it seems to be making a full recovery.
Red-tailed Hawk 22-091
22-091 was found trapped in a culvert. An exam and x-rays revealed fractures in the right scapula and right minor metacarpal as well as a brood patch. Because it is still fairly early, the hawk was likely incubating eggs rather than nestlings. We are hopeful she will make a full recovery.
Scrub Jay 22-094
The last bird admitted this week was an adult Scrub Jay found near Heppner. Sadly, an x-ray showed the Jay’s wing injury was caused by a gunshot. The wing was too badly damaged to repair and it was euthanized.
To end on a happier note
Volunteer Virginia feeding the Horned Lark… Meal worms are tasty!
