Avian Influenza Update
Avian influenza continues to impact everything we do at both the Pendleton and Tri-Cities Centers. The numbers of carcasses being collected daily in the Tri-Cities have decreased but are being found over a wider area including Columbia Park, Sacajawea State Park and Hood Park, which are in Benton, Franklin and Walla Walla counties respectively. Oregon and Washington officials have requested that rehabilitation centers not admit any water fowl or birds that appear to be sick because there is little chance we can successfully treat them and there is a high risk of transmission to other birds including domestic poultry and pet birds. Fortunately, the risk to humans, dogs and cats is very low.
Two Young Great Horned Owls Close to Fledging
These two owlets fell out of their respective nests as downy chicks. Their nests were not accessible so they were placed in an artificial nest (I know it looks a lot like a dog crate) at BMW’s hack site. In the next week or so they will be ready to fledge and begin practicing their flight skills. We will keep providing mice until they have perfected their hunting skills and no longer return to the feeding station to be fed.
Fledgling Western Screech Owl Returned to his Family
Well meaning folks “rescued” this little Screech Owl after he landed on a play structure at a local park on what was likely his maiden flight. An exam found no injuries and he was returned to his family. When the transport box was opened he flew directly into the tree.
TV (as in Turkey Vulture) Drama
Darrel and Daryl are very protective these days. For the second time in 20 years they are laying eggs. Turkey Vultures don’t build a nest. They scrape out a place on the ground and lay their eggs. They have laid two eggs so far and are taking turns incubating them. In the wild Turkey Vultures typically lay 1-3 eggs. Time will tell what happens this year. In the mean time, don’t mess with mama!
