Golden Eagle 17-615
The week started with an adult, male Golden Eagle who was hit by a car near John Day, OR. He had been feeding on a road killed deer when he flew into a passing car. Fortunately, no bones were broken. Initially he was pretty sore and did not want to stand. He’s much feistier a week later. We need to recheck his blood lead level which was 28.6 micrograms/deciliter on admission. Hopefully we can get it down to about 5 micro/dl before moving him outside to a flight pen.
Silver-haired Bat 17-617
Silver-haired Bats are among the most common bats in forested areas.They hibernate, but can migrate long distances between summer and winter range. This little bat has put on a lot of weight in preparation for migration and/or hibernation. She weighs a very plump 15.7 grams (a little more than half an ounce). Perhaps she was on her way to a more southern forest in which to hibernate. Unfortunately, she has injured her right shoulder and left hip. We don’t know how. After a few more days of rest, we will try a test flight.
Swainson’s Thrush 17-622
Admissions ranged this week from a nearly 4 kilogram eagle to the 15 gram bat. There were also two Swainson’s Thrushes. The first weighed 20 grams and is recuperating from a shoulder injury after flying into a window. The second bird weighed 25 grams and had a badly fractured humerus that could not be repaired. The new x-ray equipment has allowed us to more accurately visualize injuries, no matter how small the patient.
Merlin 17-623
Although it was a relatively slow week, volunteers still racked up the miles. Admissions came from the Yakima area, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, Umatilla, La Grande and Mt Vernon (near John Day, 120 miles south of Pendleton). A female Merlin was hit by a car near Spokane (more than 200 miles north of Pendleton). The Merlin has a head injury that has affected her vision. She will have a complete exam on Monday.
Blue Mountain Wildlife is so fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers and generous supporters who allow us to care for injured wildlife throughout a huge region. Thank You!!!
Screech at the Reach and Birds, Bats and Bugs, Oh My!
Join us on Friday, October 27 from 5:30-8:00 pm for Screech at the Reach, at the REACH Museum, 1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA 99352.
Then, join us Saturday, October 28 at the Walla Walla Public Library for Nature Kids: Birds, Bats and Bugs, Oh My! The event is from 10 am to 2 pm. BMW will provide a raptor program at 1 pm.
Just One More Thing!
Caroline Ebinger, BMW’s new Director of Development, has been quietly working behind the scenes, collecting information to determine how BMW can best serve the wildlife and people of our region. To this end, we want to hear YOUR thoughts. Please fill out the following survey, so we may best serve each BMW supporter:
https://goo.gl/forms/gN3gE5EwJdhh6yBX2
Thank you so much!
