Gyrfalcon Persimmon Cooling Off Under A Sprinkler
We are going to have triple digit temperatures in the coming week. People ask what can they do to help birds and other wildlife? Put out a shallow pan of water and/or turn a sprinkler on low. You may be surprised at who shows up to cool off!
The Week in Review
It was another tough week for birds. A Rufous Hummingbird hit a window, badly damaging his right shoulder and humerus. We have an assortment of anesthesia cones, most of which we have had to create ourselves. We used the smallest cone for the hummingbird, but it was still way too big!
Samantha went to work. The next time we admit a hummingbird we will use the hummingbird cone to anesthetize it.
Here’s the entire assortment:
I have to admit, the pelican cone is my favorite. It is a 2 cup tupperware measuring cup and a tupperware pasta container taped together. It is the perfect length for a pelican bill.
Emaciated Cooper’s Hawk 22-303
We could not save this little Cooper’s Hawk. She(?) was 50% underweight and had healed radius fractures in both wings. We don’t know what happened to her. She was growing all new wing and tail feathers. She probably lost her feathers the same time her wings were broken.
Swainson’s Hawk 22-304
We know this was an adult Swainson’s Hawk who was molting. He had been shot long enough ago for the wounds to heal, but bruising was still visible. The metacarpal fractures were recent. The damage to the metacarpals and wrist was so extensive the wrist joint would be frozen when the injuries healed. Since he would never be able to fly, the hawk was euthanized.
Persimmon Still Chillin
