Most wildlife are brought to BMW for care as a result of human activity. They are struck by a vehicle, crash into a window or are mauled by a cat (a non-native species introduced into North America by people). None of these intentionally harm wildlife. A bird can fly into the path of a car, giving the driver no alternative but to hit the bird. Raptor silhouettes hanging in windows cannot prevent all birds from hitting windows. 

Gunshot injuries are intentional. There are no hunting seasons for native birds other than upland game birds or water fowl. Sometimes the cause of an injury is not obvious. That is the case for Swainson’s Hawk 25-443. The damage to her left wing looks like it was caused by a projectile, The condition of the 3 broken primary feather shafts is consistent with a gunshot injury. 

The hawk is an adult female with a brood patch. She is thin, weighing 686 grams, and anemic with a packed cell volume of 28.5 and a total protein of 2.8. We are hopeful she will be ready to release in a few weeks, as her young are still partially dependent upon her for food and she needs to be ready to migrate this fall.

Other admissions this past week included a Black-chinned Hummingbird with a non repairable shoulder injury who was euthanized, an American Crow that died while being transported to the clinic, and a Northern Saw-whet Owl with a dislocated elbow and shoulder, injuries that could not be repaired.

Three successful releases boosted our spirits this week. A Western Screech Owl was released after recovering from injuries sustained when it was tangled in netting covering raspberry bushes.

Two young Cooper’s Hawks from two different families had been found unable to fly shortly after fledging. Both responded well to supportive care and were released. The first hawk release is pictured below. The second hawk left so quickly there was no time for a photo!

Volunteers Jacque, Kenny and Janie released the birds. Thank you awesome volunteers!