The Week in Review
BMW continues to be busier than normal for the time of year. In 2021 there were 7 admissions by January 16. To date in 2022 there have been 25 admissions, 9 this past week: a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, a Northern Flicker, a Snow Goose (see photo above) and 6 raptors, including a Bald Eagle who died before reaching the clinic. We received permission to necropsy the eagle and another eagle who died last week. Necropsy results indicate that both eagles died from lead poisoning.
How to Prevent Lead Poisoning
Raptors and other wildlife who scavenge are poisoned when they feed on animals that have been shot with lead ammunition. Lead is a relatively soft metal. It fragments when it hits its target. Traces of lead can be found far from the wound channel. If you hunt with lead ammunition you are very likely also consuming lead when you eat the game meat. Hunting with lead-free ammunition is the best and easiest way to prevent secondary lead poisoning of humans and wildlife. Visit Hunting With Non-Leadhttps://huntingwithnonlead.org to learn more.
The radiograph below shows traces of lead in the digestive tract of the eagle. It was found near Paterson WA and died of lead poisoning before reaching the clinic.
Annual Membership Meeting
Thank You to all who participated in BMW’s Annual Membership Meeting via Zoom on Saturday. Your interest and support are appreciated very much. Together we can meet the challenges and take advantage of new opportunities in 2022.
Bald Eagle 22-015
The eagle that is currently being treated for lead poisoning continues to improve. He now has the attitude of a typical Bald Eagle! We are going to have to re-bandage his left halux. If you look closely you can see that the talon is folded under his toe. Initially both feet were clenched so we are making progress.
