Another Busy Week
The majority of intakes this time of year tend to be nestlings and fledglings. The past week was no exception. Admissions included 17 raptors and 10 non-raptors. We rarely admit Bullocks Orioles, but have admitted three nestlings/fledglings this year. One has been released. The two below are almost ready to go. The one on the right is not quite self-feeding yet.
Changing of the Guard
We said good by to intern Taylor on June 28, and wished her well as she returned to Murray University in Kentucky for summer school and completing her application for vet school. On June 30 we welcomed Michelle, an Environmental Studies major at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She and Katie are keeping very busy between feeding babies and all the treatments and cleaning that go along with a full clinic.
Cooper’s Hawk 19-315
This little guy was one of the lucky ones. He managed to fall out of his nest without being injured on the way down, or when he hit the ground. It's hard to make that determination over the phone. Many of the babies recently admitted have either been injured or starving. There was a bumper crop of rodents last summer. That doesn’t seem to be the case this summer. We will attempt to return this Cooper’s Hawk to his family.
Broken Bones:
American Kestrel 19-323
This adult American Kestrel was found at the Burbank Elementary School. His ulna is in three pieces. The radius is not fractured and will be a good splint for the ulna. Although there could be a problem in his elbow, we have immobilized the wing and will give the kestrel a chance to recover.
Barn Owl 19-321
An adult Barn Owl was not as lucky. Her humerus was in four pieces. There was simply too much damage to repair. In addition to the fractures, her shoulder, elbow and wrist joints were also damaged. She was humanely euthanized. To make matters worse, she had a brood patch, indicating she had babies. Hopefully they are old enough that her mate can provide enough food for them.
