The Oregon Wildlife Rehabilitation Association sponsored a virtual conference this past weekend with many interesting speakers. There were opportunities to network with rehabbers from throughout the state as well as regulation updates from state and federal wildlife officials. We learned techniques for raising and releasing heathy songbirds, tips on creating and maintaining an internship program, how we can contribute to a study of leptospirosis in wildlife and information about an OSU research project to determine how widespread COVID-19 virus is in wildlife.

Otherwise, the week was slow with just three admissions, a Northern Saw-whet Owl and two American Kestrels. All were victims of a collision, either with a vehicle or window. The owl died of a brain injury. Kestrel 23-349 had a broken back and dislocated left scapula and also died of his injuries. We are hopeful American Kestrel 23-348 will recover, but there is damage in his right wrist. A joint injury is never good. He is eating well and has his wrist immobilized. We are hoping for a full recovery!