Farewell McKinley ~ Welcome October
We bid farewell to intern McKinley this past week, but not before she released a Red-tailed Hawk that had been injured this past winter. She headed home to Michigan for a short vacation before beginning her senior year at Unity College in Unity Maine. We wish her success in her studies and on the soccer field. Thank you McKinley!
The very next day we welcomed new intern October. She is from South Dakota and has just completed an internship at Wolf Hollow in northwestern Washington. She is quickly learning the routine at BMW. In the photo at the right she and intern Megan are giving fluids to a Great Horned Owl.
More Young Swainson's Hawks
Five more Swainson's Hawks were admitted this week from four different nests. At least one was a fledgling that we will try and return to her parents. Three were pretty hungry which may be why they left their nests prematurely. The youngest fell at least 45 feet to the ground and seems to be just fine. The plan is to return the nestlling to its nest in Walla Walla Monday morning with the help of Pacific Power.
Gunshot Kestrel
A young American Kestrel from Grandview, WA had a suspicious looking wound on its chest. An x-ray taken at Pendleton Veterinary Clinic confirmed that it was the result of a gunshot injury. In addition to the shoulder injury, the kestrel also appears to have spinal trauma and is unable to stand. The prognosis for recovery is not good, but there has been some improvement in her ability to use her feet so we will continue to provide supportive care at least for a few more days.
Another Electrocution Victim
The Red-tailed Hawk admitted 5 1/2 weeks ago after being electrocuted continues to improve. A Great Horned Owl from Yakima will probably not be as fortunate. There is extensive tissue damage to the left leg and right wing. We are treating the burns, but the prognosis is poor.
A Happier Note
The prize for being the cutest baby this week goes to the Evening Grosbeak found on Bateman Island in the Columbia River. The details about why it needed to be rescued and exactly where it came from are very sketchy. It appears to be uninjured and healthy and has an excellent appetite. The prognosis for release is excellent.
On the Road Again
The Education Team will travel to Ione, OR on Tuesday to provide a program at the library. The theme for the day is "Defying Gravity." What a perfect time to talk about raptor flight!
Breaking News!!!
Just as the newsletter was going to press, so to speak, intern Megan informed me that the adult Osprey admitted one month ago to the day after being burned when his nest caught fire, had started eating fish on his own. Adult Osprey are notoriously difficult to get to eat in captivity. The two young Osprey admitted the week before had begun eating on their own within one day. All three Osprey were placed together in a large cage in hopes that seeing the younger birds eat would encourage the older bird to eat. It had finally worked!
