March: In Like A Lion
February ended on a fairly quiet note with just two admissions: 1 Barn Owl and 1 Red-tailed Hawk. March has come roaring in like the proverbial lion, bringing 5 more Red-tailed Hawks, a Rough-legged Hawk, a Sharp-shined Hawk, a Western Screech Owl and a Great Horned Owl.
All of the birds, with the exception of the Rough-legged Hawk, were found in Washington. Thank you to the many volunteers and good Samaritans who helped transport the birds to Pendleton. Blue Mountain Wildlife could not operate without you.
The Barn Owl admitted Feb 24 is flying well and will soon be released.
X-rays of the Red-tailed Hawk admitted Mar 1 from Goldendale, WA did not show metal fragments in the wound, but the fracture pattern and typical entrance and exit wounds indicate the cause was a gunshot. Veterinary consultant Dr. Jeff Cooney thought the ulna fractures have a good chance of healing. Of greater concern is the damage to the ulnar carpal which may lead to decreased range of motion in the wrist.
Five Red-tailed Hawks were admitted this past week. The first hawk’s right leg was broken and almost completely severed above the foot. He was humanely euthanized.
Hawk number two is uncoordinated. The cause seems to be a head injury. He was found in an area with lots of hop poles and wires. He is being given supportive care and cage rest, although he is not a very cooperative patient!
Hawk number three was found tangled in a barbed-wire fence. Before his wounds could be treated a very large mole had to be removed, piece by piece, from his bulging crop. Words cannot adequately describe how bad the pieces of mole smelled. Once the crop was emptied the wounds on his neck and left wing were cleaned and sutured.
Hawk number four has a dislocated left shoulder. His wing is immobilized and he is resting quietly in a cage.
Red-tail number five arrived Sunday afternoon. There appears to be a problem in his left shoulder. X-rays will be scheduled at Pendleton Veterinary Clinic to better determine the nature of the problem.
Rough-legged Hawk
The first Rough-legged Hawk in more than two years was admitted this past week. He has a severe head injury that is not responding to treatment. The prognosis for recovery is poor.
Great Horned Owl
One of the saddest cases this week is a Great Horned Owl who is unable to stand. She has a brood patch, indicating she was either sitting on eggs or brooding young.
Her lower back is also very bruised. It does not appear to be broken. Hopefully her inability to stand is caused by swelling that can be reversed in the next few days.
