What do a Golden Eagle, a Great Blue Heron, 6 baby Northern Harriers, 6 more raptors and 15 other birds have in common? They were all admitted for care this past week!
We call her Denio
BMW has the most awesome network of members, volunteers and supporters. A call came on Friday morning from a man in Denio, NV who had found an injured Golden Eagle. The local Fish and Game office was closed on Friday’s. He had tried a Klamath Falls number, but didn’t get an answer. Through the wonders of the internet, he found BMW. I said, "let me make some phone calls.”
Long story short, Saturday, Joe and Cordi Atkinson, two of the most experienced eagle falconers in the country, drove three hours from their home in Vale, captured the eagle and brought her home. BMW Board member Tara Richards flew into the Boise airport the same day, on her way home from vacation, drove to Vale, picked up the eagle and drove to her home in Baker City where the eagle spent the night standing on a perch in a large dog crate. Early the next morning Tara brought the eagle to Pendleton. Less than 48 hours after the initial call the eagle had traveled more than 400 miles and BMW volunteers had traveled more than 800 miles.
That’s just the beginning of the story. The eagle has a femur fracture and damage to her pelvis that is at least a week old. Again, through the miracle of the internet, we were able to consult with Dr. Jeff Cooney in Bend, OR regarding the possibility of a surgical repair. From looking at the radiographs, Dr. Cooney thought there was reasonable chance for success. We will schedule an appointment at Pendleton Veterinary Clinic as soon as possible.
Burned Osprey
An adult Osprey was admitted with what appear to be burns from being electrocuted. There is damage to one wingtip and burns in his mouth. We are hopeful that he will make a complete recovery.
Northern Harriers Nest on the Ground
Volunteers Wayne and Mark rescued 5 very young Northern Harriers whose nest in a mint field was destroyed when the mint was harvested. Fortunately the nest was spotted before the mint was cut. In just two days, the youngsters learned how to eat cut up mice off a plate!
Another Harrier in a Canola Field
A fledgling Harrier wasn’t so lucky. Her tail feathers and most of the primary feathers on her right wing were severed by a combine when a canola field was harvested. Her damaged tail feathers may molt and regrow. It is likely that she won’t get new wing feathers until next spring.
Welcome Parks
New intern Parks joined wildlife rehabilitator Samantha and intern Ariel this past week. Parks is a prevet student at Whitman College in Walla Walla, originally from Tennessee. Below, Parks recovers a fledgling Great Horned Owl from anesthesia. The owl was found tangled in a barbed-wire fence near Ione, OR. Fortunately her wounds were fairly minor. Of more concern is her emaciated condition. Apparently she hasn’t quite figured out how to be a successful hunter yet.
Eagle Update
The Golden Eagle admitted two weeks ago with what appeared to be a leg trap injury is progressing well. The splint immobilizing his two broken toes was removed. Hopefully, with physical therapy, he will regain some of the use of the toes.
Turtle Freedom
The Painted Turtle who crossed the road to find a place to nest and was hit by a car, has been released at Ladd Marsh. ODFW biologist Cathy Nowak sent the pictures below of intern Kelly releasing the turtle. Cathy has done telemetry studies of Painted Turtles on the marsh so she knew the perfect location to release her!
