Red-tailed Hawk 25-311 was found at a construction site near Boardman. The hawk had collided with something, fracturing his left humerus and damaging the left hip. Euthanasia was the only humane option.

After a finder called and reported a Great Blue Heron was tangled in fishing tackle along the Umatilla River, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists captured the Heron and brought him to the clinic. We removed the fishing line and noted swelling and bruising at the elbow. Radiographs showed the Heron had an arthritic right hip. It must have been quite painful for the bird to walk, making it difficult to forage for food and explaining why he was so thin. Again, euthanasia was the most humane option.

Fledgling Cooper’s Hawk 25-322 was also unlucky. His left tibiotarsus was fractured. The fracture could not be adequately stabilized and the hawk was euthanized

Fortunately there were some positive moments this past week. Twelve young American Kestrels and a Great Horned Owl were banded and moved to their respective hack sites this week in preparation for their release.

On Monday, Winnie released female Swainson’s Hawk 25-301 south of Madras, near where she had been found. As soon as the hawk was up in the air she was joined by two other hawks who were no doubt her offspring. It was a wonderful family family reunion!

No Sooner was the adult Swainson’s Hawk reunited with her family than a nestling Swainson’s was admitted. It was only two or three days old and had multiple black fly larvae in each ear. Tricia spent three days removing the larvae. The little guy is feeling much better!