Bald Eagle 18-006 Update
We have dropped the juvenile Bald Eagle’s blood lead level from 813 micrograms/deciliter to 130 mcg/dl. Although that is an amazing reduction, it is still a very toxic amount of lead. The other good news is she has managed to pass the lead particles in her gut. They are no longer visible in an x-ray. She is still an incredibly ill bird, but we can’t help being hopeful that she will beat the odds and recover.
Bald Eagle 18-008
An adult Bald Eagle was found north of Pasco near Basin City, WA. From the initial description of the bird we feared it was another case of lead poisoning. Fortunately, that was not the case. He appears to have collided with something, dislocating his right shoulder and splitting the tip of his upper beak. He also has an air rifle pellet lodged in his left wing from an earlier injury. Of additional concern is his labored breathing. He has an elevated white blood cell count and increased densities in his chest and right abdominal air sac.
Cedar Waxwing 18-010
The American Bird Conservancy estimates up to a billion birds die in collisions with glass each year in the United States. This beautiful Cedar Waxwing flew into a window, injuring its left shoulder. Hopefully immobilizing the left wing for a week or so will allow the shoulder to heal. If you would like to learn about options for making your windows bird friendly, visit CollidEscape.org
Merlin 18-011
The second window strike of the week was a female Merlin. The homeowner heard a loud thump and found her lying on the porch, under a window. She could flap her wings, but was unable to use her legs. She showed a small amount of improvement over night. About all we can do is continue to give supportive care and hope her improvement continues.
Annual Membership Meeting: Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 1:00 pm
Join BMW’s Board of Directors for the Annual Membership meeting, this Saturday, January 20, 1 pm at the First Christian Church, 215 N Main Street, Pendleton. Enter by the Bailey Street door. We will have a quick review of 2017 and a peek at what’s in store for 2018. Refreshments will be served.
