Rainy, the newest member of the Education Team, thinks its spring and has scraped a depression in the ground for her nest. She is a Gyrfalcon/Peregrine Falcon hybrid, so nesting on the ground is natural. There aren’t many trees in the arctic where Gyrfalcons nest. Peregrine Falcons nest on rocky cliff ledges.

The nest is visible just above her right wing. She is mantling to protect her breakfast, a coturnix quail. Sharing food is not something Rainy does willingly!!!

Red-tailed Hawk 26-016 was found near Union in eastern Oregon. X-rays taken during her exam showed wing and leg fractures from being shot. The metal fragments are difficult see, but the shattered bones are consistent with damage caused by a projectile. The damage could not be repaired and the hawk was euthanized.

On Friday we welcomed intern Sara. She is from Happy Valley, OR. Her goals include a career in wildlife care and rehabilitation. We anticipate the arrival of intern Allison sometime today, Sunday. She flew from Wisconsin to Chicago on Saturday, but her flight to Portland was delayed. She has now landed in Portland and, with luck, will be in Pendleton later today. 

Rainy and her breakfast…