I can’t remember the last time we had just one admission in a week, but that was the occasion last week. An adult Merlin was found along a road near Milton-Freewater with an injured left wing. The small falcon had been struck by a vehicle and was unable to fly. An exam and x-rays revealed his left coracoid was separated at the sternum, his left radius and ulna were dislocated at the elbow and his left humerus was rotated at the shoulder. The injuries were too extensive to repair and he was euthanized.

Sora 22-383 Released

Two weeks after admission with what appeared to be a back injury, the Sora was released to continue its southern migration. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Soras are common and the most abundant rail species in North America. Their reliance on dwindling wetland habitat due to urban and agricultural development may be cause for concern in the future. Their habit of migrating at night and frequently colliding with lighted towers could also potentially affect the population. We wish 22-383 a safe journey! 

We rarely admit Great Gray Owls. They live in the forest and don’t often encounter humans. Unfortunately this young female was struck by a vehicle near Joseph, OR resulting in multiple fractures in her right wing. It was heart-breaking to realize that euthanasia was the most humane option.

Sora Update

The Sora’s progress has far exceeded our expectations. For seven days the Sora was unable to stand and was not eating. Samantha placed a spread of seed, various sizes of meal worms and blood worms to no avail. Then, on day eight, it stood up and started walking and eating mealworms. The Sora was probably on its way to Mexico or Central America when it was injured.   They are not cold tolerant birds. We do not have time to get it ready to continue migrating before temperatures drop. It will have to spend the winter inside and be released in the spring to continue its northern migration.

Tristan Repko delivered four Leopold Benches he built for Blue Mountain Wildlife as his Eagle Scout project. The benches are designed so you can sit on them either direction. If you face forward, you have a nice back rest. If you face backwards, the back rest becomes a support for your elbows while using binoculars or a camera. If you can’t see the picture above, click on Lynn’s Journal at the top of the newsletter and you will go to Lynn’s Journal on BMW’s website where the pictures will be visible. Thank you Tristan and Troop 249!

The Week’s Releases

Releases this week included a House Wren and a Mourning Dove. Below, Samantha releases the Mourning Dove at McKay Wildlife Refuge. It’s hard to see amongst all the foliage, but the dove landed on a branch of the tree in the second photo.

The Rehab Week in Review

Fortunately we continue to be fairly slow. This is the time of year when babies have grown up and been released and new cases are primarily the result of trauma. As a rule, trauma cases do not have a good outcome. There were just three raptor admissions this past week. One Western Screech Owl died before we could exam it. A second Screech Owl had a maggot infested wound just above its eyes with maggots also in its mouth. It was emaciated and in very poor condition. Since the prognosis for recovery was poor, the owl was euthanized.

Peregrine Falcon 22-379 was found near Joseph, OR. Our exam revealed a fracture at the head of the right humerus in the shoulder joint. A fracture is never good, but one involving the articulating surface of a joint will cause irreversible damage to the joint and result in a painful shoulder.  Peregrines are amazing athletes, diving at upwards of 200 miles per hour to catch other birds in mid-air. Euthanasia seemed the kindest option for this bird.

But, to end on a positive note, the new benches are mighty comfortable. Thanks again Tristan.

Two Golden Eagles admitted in 2021 are at their new home with The Zuni Nation in New Mexico. Golden Eagle 21-515 was struck by a vehicle near Mattawa , WA on the Fourth of July. He is non-releasable as a result of the head trauma he received during the collision.

Golden Eagle 21-778 was found near Patterson , WA in November of last year suffering from ingested lead toxicity. He recovered, but has long-term brain damage that affects his decision making skills.

We loaded up the birds and Tricia made the 18 hour drive from Pendleton to Zuni, New Mexico. We contemplated flying the eagles, but they would have been in their crates 18 hours either way, and the airline flight would have included a three hour layover in Salt Lake City, Utah with a change of plane. Driving seemed the better option and it also gave Tricia the opportunity to continue on to Midland, Texas and visit her family.

The eagles will be in quarantine for a month and then will be moved into the large eagle aviary. We are very grateful to The Zuni Nation for giving the eagles their forever home.