There were just two admissions this past week, Little Brown Bat 24-367 and Western Grebe 24-368. Although the bat had no fractures, he was unable to fly due to internal injuries. It is challenging to evaluate x-rays of a 5 gram bat (that is less than one-quarter of an ounce), but when we compared his x-ray to the x-ray of Little Brown Bat 24-327 who had two broken wings, but no internal damage, it was apparent that 24-367 did have internal injuries. The prognosis for recovery seemed poor and the bat was euthanized.

The prognosis for the Grebe was much better. It had been found on the ground in Wallowa. Grebes sometimes land on surfaces they think are water, but turn out to be wet pavement or some other solid surface. They need to be able to run across water in order to get airborne. The Grebe appeared to be uninjured and was released at McKay Wildlife Refuge where there are other Grebes.

The Camera Project

BMW treasurer Kirsti and husband Ken have been here working on the Camera Project. Kirsti is heading back to Portland today, Sunday. Ken could use more help on Monday or Tuesday. Thank you to Burt who’ll be here on Wednesday! Kirsti will be back Thursday evening! If you are able to help please call the clinic: 541-278-0215. Thank you in advance!

Kirsti took the photos below during a break from helping Ken. 

Ferruginous Hawk 24-192 fell from this nest as a downy baby, breaking his left leg. He is now flying in the large flight pen…

Bald Eagle 24-265 was admitted as a fledgling along with her brother. Both birds were emaciated. They are recovering nicely and should be ready for release in November. Big sister poses and then takes flight…

Lynn explaining to the Ferruginous Hawk “That’s not the way things are done around here.”

We were very pleased to welcome Peggy and Brenda for a visit this past week. They are wildlife rehabilitators at Umqua Wildlife in Roseburg. I appreciate that we can communicate with colleagues, friends and family via a variety of media options, but nothing beats an in-person visit!

Otherwise, the week was very quiet.The only admission came  on Sunday, when an adult adult otter was admitted. It had been hit be a vehicle at Hot Lake near La Grande. X-rays confirmed that its back was broken. Humane euthanasia was all we could offer. 

We can Use Your Help October 12th – 19th

We have an exciting project in the works. We are revamping our camera system and can use some extra hands installing conduit and pulling cable. If you have a couple of hours to spare between October 12th and 19th there’ll be a job for you. Call or text 541-278-0215 and let us know when you’d like to help. Thank you in advance!!!

The seventh Golden Eagle of the year was admitted this past week. It was found on State Highway 86 near Richland, Oregon, about 40 miles east of Baker City. It is a young bird from this year which means it’s about six months old. Our exam found a fractured left scapula and  damage on the left side of the pelvis. He also seems to have some head trauma and compromised vision in his left eye. He is standing in the cage and today, three days after admission, discovered pieces of quail were pretty tasty. He has a lot to overcome, but he’s already shown that he is a tough eagle!

We Can Use Your Help Anytime Between October 12 and October 19

We have an exciting project in the works. We are revamping our camera system and can use some extra hands installing conduit and pulling cable. If you have a couple of hours to spare between October 12th and 19th there’ll be a job for you. Call or text 541-278-0215 and let us know when you’d like to help. Thank you in advance!!!

Metabolic bone disease can occur in a wild bird, if for example, a young, rapidly growing bird sustains multiple fractures through some type of trauma. The combination of needing calcium to grow healthy bones, repair fractures and for metabolism cannot be met through a normal diet. 

In wildlife rehabilitation the admission of a bird with metabolic bone disease is generally caused by inappropriate care by a human. If someone finds a nestling raptor they usually know it is a carnivore. They might assume that since hamburger is meat it can be substituted for the normal diet. Sadly, this can be a fatal mistake for the bird. Not only does hamburger not have any calcium in it because it does not contain bone, it does contain a high level of phosphorous. The body needs approximately a 2 to 1 Calcium-phosphorous ratio in the diet for healthy metabolism and growth. If the diet contains more phosphorous than calcium, the body sees that as a calcium deficiency and will pull calcium out of bones to correct the deficiency. 

The radiograph below is of Swainson’s Hawk 24-359. The hawk was found in a road and the initial assumption was that he had been hit be a vehicle. An exam found no bruising and multiple fractures in various states of healing. It is a classic example of metabolic bone disease resulting in multiple fractures throughout the bird’s body.

The second admission this past week was a Little Brown Bat that had been caught by a cat. The bat had fractures of the left and right radius and damage to it’s pelvis. The injuries were too extensive to repair and the bat was euthanized.

Below is a photo of Swainson’s Hawk 24-359

The second full week in Pendleton is Round-Up Week. There were parades, two days of professional bull riding, four days of rodeo and much more. The population of Pendleton more than doubles. I have a standing order for 8 tickets. Tricia and intern Kara, along with 5 out-of-town guests, enjoyed the Saturday rodeo. Bull Riding has always been my favorite event because the bull often wins. Watching the clowns make sure the rider gets away from the bull unharmed can be pretty exciting too. The clowns definitely earn their wages.

The competition was fierce in the barrel racing. There was lots of teamwork on display between horse and rider.

While there was excitement in town, it remained fairly quiet at BMW. We admitted the last two Barn Owls from the nest in the chimney in La Grande. I was hoping they would follow their parents example and be able to climb out of the chimney, but that was not the case. They are now in a hack box with their 6 siblings. The door will be opened in a few days and the owls will begin practicing their flight and hunting skills. Mice will be placed each night on the same feeding platforms that are subsidizing the young Swainson’s Hawks during the day.

An adult Western Screech Owl was admitted on Sunday. It was likely struck by a vehicle during the night. It appears to have a head injury. It is receiving supportive care until it is in a more stable condition and we can do a thorough physical exam under anesthesia.