Although there were just 8 new admissions this past week, we saw a lot of broken bones. American Robin fledgling 25-408 had both wing and leg fractures. Euthanasia was our only option.

Wilson’s Warbler 25-410 had both radius and ulna fractures. The injuries were not repairable.

Fledgling Burrowing Owl 25-411 was found at the former Umatilla Chemical Depot with an injured eye. The owl has an appointment on Tuesday at Pendleton Veterinary Clinic to have the eye evaluated.

Fledgling Western Screech Owl 25-413 had a new fracture in its right tibiotarsus and a healed fracture in its left radius. The leg fracture was very close to the knee joint which would almost certainly compromise joint movement. Again euthanasia was the humane option.

The hack box door was opened and two young red-tailed hawks were released. Food is being placed on a feeding platform daily until they perfect their hunting skills.

Just before we said goodby to intern Sadie, she released a young Killdeer. Sadie is back home in Colorado and will soon be returning to school in Kansas.

As I was composing this newsletter Long-eared Owl 25-415 was admitted. The finder had kept the owl “a week or two” and fed it chicken and fish. At 166 grams, the owl is emaciated. A radiograph showed a healed fracture in the right leg and damage to the left wrist. The bird’s  shoulders are not symmetrical. If the emaciation can be successfully treated, we will re-evaluate the shoulders next week. 

If you or someone you know find a bird needing care, please call the nearest wildlife rehabilitator. It can literally mean the difference between life and death for the bird.