Our gorgeous fall weather is continuing and migration is in full swing. Four raptors were admitted to the Pendleton center this past week. A Sharp-shinned Hawk and Great Horned Owl died within 24 hours. The hawk had collided with a vehicle or window. A necropsy found a large amount of blood in the lungs. We are not sure why the owl died. It had no obvious fractures and tested negative for lead. We have samples to send off on Monday to test for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. 

Western Screech Owl 23-334

The Screech Owl was found near Lostine, OR. It was likely struck by a vehicle. It’s right eye was collapsed and there were two fractures in the left ulna and a fracture in the left radius very near the wrist. Movement in the wrist joint would be significantly compromised once the fractures healed and the owl would not have been releasable. Euthanasia was the humane option.

RTHA 23-335 

The fourth raptor to be admitted was an emaciated Red-tailed Hawk with a gaping wound under its left eye.  The lower jaw had been fractured and healed with very poor alignment. Again, euthanasia was the most humane option.

Birthday Visit

The week ended on a much happier note. Kenai and his family came to celebrate his birthday by visiting Blue Mountain Wildlife’s education birds.