28 Baby Barn Owls and more hatching daily
The first baby Barn Owls of the season arrived on March 2. Three more batches arrived this past week to bring the total to 28 babies and 8 eggs. The owls have come from Othello, Basin City and Ellensburg. The first 7 have been moved out to a nest box. Most of the remaining owlets are eating off of a plate, a skill they learn quickly because it is a natural behavior.
The youngest owlets instinctively search the floor of the nest for scraps of food their older siblings have dropped. They do this even before their eyes open. Michele makes it easy for the owls in her care by always placing the food in the same place, right in front of them.
The video below was taken last year. It was the first time the owl in front successfully found the food with no help from Michele, and he’s only 5 days old! The owls are eating cut up mice.
Red-tailed Hawk 18-036
Business was a lot slower at the Pendleton center. There was just one admission, a Red-tailed Hawk found near Wapato, unable to fly. We suspect electrocution, but it is hard to know for certain. Her right wingtip is edematous, indicating the circulation is compromised. She is eating well. Hopefully, supportive care and tincture of time will allow her to heal.
Lead Poisoned Bald Eagle 18-006 Update
The young Bald Eagle is outside in a mew. She doesn’t want to hop down from her perch for food, but she will eat whole quail and pieces of rat placed on the perch next to her.
